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Records of Romsey abbey:
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http://www.archive.org/cletails/cu31924028057226
RECORDS
OF
ROMSEY ABBEY.
WINCHESTER : PRINTED BY WARREN AND SON, HIGH STREET.
RECORDS
OF
ROMSEY ABBEY:
AN ACCOUNT
OF
THE BENEDICTINE HOUSE OF NUNS,
WITH NOTES ON
THE PARISH CHURCH AND TOWN
(A.D. 907—1558).
Compiled from Manuscript and Printed Records
BY
HENRY G. D. LIVEING, M.A.
Vicar of Hyde, Winchester.
WINCHESTER :
WARREN AND SON, 85, HIGH STREET.
1906.
/A
TO MY FRIENDS AT ROMSEY
WHO TREASURE THEIR GOODLY HERITAGE
THE ABBEY CHURCH.
PREFACE.
HP HB-^ History of Romsey Abbey has never yet been
written, and it is very unlikely that, owing to the loss
or destruction of the Monastic Rolls and Register, such
a work will ever be accomplished. The account of the
Abbey and Town, contained in the following pages, has
been compiled from notes, collected out of MSS. and
printed books, and pieced together by the Author to the
best of his ability. An intimate familiarity with the
beautiful Church, acquired during a six years residence in
the town from 1892-98, moved him to search for inform-
ation about its past history, and led him to collect these
notes. He is aware that the result must appear but
fragmentary, and that an amateur, working in the field of
history and archaeology, is very liable to errors of all kinds,
but he ventures to hope that, since there is no book of the
kind at present in circulation, his account of the Abbey
and Town may not be without interest to his old friends
in Romsey and the neighbourhood, and perhaps also to
some of the visitors who come to view the Church during
the summer months.
The Author has to express his regret that owing to
lack of space he has been compelled to omit several
Appendices. The plan of the Conventual Buildings for
vi Preface.
the same reason, and because of the lack of evidence for
reconstructing it, has had to be omitted ; the matter is still
under investigation, and therefore the notes with reference
to the site either of the Abbess's Lodging or of the Guest
House must be considered tentative.
The Author owes a large debt of gratitude to those
who have generously assisted him in his undertaking, and
has much pleasure in recording his thanks to the Rev.
J. Cooke Yarborough, the Vicar of Romsey, for his kind-
ness, shown in a variety of ways ; to the Right Hon.
Evelyn Ashley for his very kind permission to reproduce
the collection of old water-colour drawings at Broadlands ;
to the Rev. Prebendary Coleman, of Wells, for his unfailing
interest and encouragement ; to Charles Wooldridge, Esq.,
for his ready permission to examine the Episcopal Regis-
ters ; to the Rev. F. T. Madge for access to the Cathedral
Library ; and to Ralph Nevill, Esq., for his help in several
matters. He offers special thanks to the Rev. F. Hyne
Davy for writing the chapter on the Romsey Psalter ; and
to E. C. Shearman, Esq., for the beautiful drawing re-
produced as a frontispiece.
He wishes to record his obligations to the British
Museum Authorities for allowing him to photograph Mr.
Latham's sketches ; to Mr. H. Guard, of Romsey, for most
kindly taking a large number of photographs both at the
British Museum and at Romsey ; to the Rev. C. Watling
Preface. vii
for a photograph of the Le Rous tomb at Imber ; to the
Rev. M. West for a photograph of a page of the Psalter ;
to Messrs. Wilkinson & Co., of Trowbridge, for photo-
graphs of Edington Church ; to Messrs. Dodridge & Gibbs,
of Romsey, for permission to reproduce their beautiful
photograph of the Saxon Rood ; to N. C. Nisbett, Esq.,
for careful photographs of seals ; to the latter and to the
Hampshire Field Club for permission to reproduce a plan
of the Church, attached to an article by the Vicar, entitled
Recent Discoveries in Romsey Abbey ; to Miss M. and Miss
H. Lethbridge for their kindness in making the Index.
He wishes to recognise the careful work done for him by
Miss M. Martin at the Record Office and at Winchester,
in copying MSS.
He cannot close these few words of preface without
expressing his appreciation of the excellent work done by
Messrs. Warren & Son in printing and producing the book,
and of the care taken by their staff in passing these pages
through the press.
ERRATA.
Page s, line 30, for "Norman," read " E. English."
5, ,, 34, insert after "house," "in the main."
6, , , 20, omit ' ' which divides .... Romsey Extra. "
8, ,, 10, /or "tenth," real? "ninth."
14. .. Z^, for " £i," read " £z."
29, ,, i,/o/- "^thaslfleda," >-«a^ ".(Ethelfiseda."
' I3S7." "ad "1057."
'Formulari," read "Formulare."
' being found," read " is to be found."
'an," "window," and "was," read "two," "windows,'
and "were."
' his," read " his successor's.''
' 1310," read " 1311."
'of," read "to."
'1372." read "1373."
' a year," read "a month, 1358."
' 1368," read " 1369."
'hundred," read " Hundred.'
' and," read "and makes."
'and," read "or."
' and," read " which.''
'offend," read "offends.''
' and," read "the chanter. "
' Almoness," read " Almoneress."
10, for "inspection," read "collection."
32. .
, 27,>>-
60,
, 20, for
67.
, 10, for
69,
• 33, fir
94.
, 20, for
los,
, 12, for
118,
• H'/or
128,
, 20, for
134.
, 8. for
169,
< l.fir
176,
. 5- fir
I8S,
, 24./"'-
196,
, ^5. fir
206,
, SI./"'-
231.
. 2S,for
23s.
. 9, fir
236,
, 2Z,for
281,
, 10, for
TABLE OF CONTENTS AND CALENDAR,
A.D. 907 — 1558.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION """3
CHAPTER II.
THE FOUNDATION.
A.D.
907. Abbey founded by King Edward the Elder 11
„ His daughter, ^Iflasda, first Abbess 11
966. King Edgar's Charter and Gifts 14
„ Abbess Merwinna ... ... ... ... ... ... \a
972. Burial of Edmund .(Etheling in the Abbey 15
982. Bequest of Ethelmere, Governor of Hampshire 15
^Abbess Elwina
c. 992 \ Danish raid by Sweyn and Canute 26
-1003. J Nuns flee to Winchester
^Abbess S. Mthelflceda, born c. 962
1012. Gift of Queen .(Ethelgyfu (Emma) 35
c. 1016 (Abbess Wulfynn
-102^.\ Abbess Mlfgyfu and fifty-four nuns 28
CHAPTER III.
THE SAXON PRINCESSES.
c. 1030. Saxon Rood (now in South Choir Aisle) ... 36
Names of Abbesses, unknown for about a century ... ... 51
(?) Saxon or Early Norman Apse ... ... ... ... ... 38
1086. Christina, sister of S. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, veiled
as nun at Romsey ... ... ... ... ... ... 35
1086. Domesday Book compiled ... ... ... ... 328, 329
c. 1093. Queen Margaret's daughters, Eadgyth (Matilda) and Mary,
at Romsey ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 39
1093. William Rufus and Malcolm Canmore, King of Scotland,
visit Romsey ... 40
lioo. Matilda (Eadgyth) married to Henry I, nth November ... 42
(?) Grant of four-days fair, beginning S. .(Ethelflaeda's Day
(23rd October), 7 Charters of Henry I ... ... 45
1105. Henry I at Romsey, and again in 1 1 10 ... ... ... 44
1118. Queen Matilda dies, ist May ... ... ... ... ... 46
Table of Contents and Calendar.
CHAPTER IV.
PRINCESS MARY OF BLOIS.
A.D.
c. 1 120. Building of the Great Abbey Church begun .
c. I130. Abbess Hadewisa ...
Three Charters of King Stephen
c. 1 150. Abbess Maiildis, ffi USS
c. 1155. Abbess Princess Mary, married I161 ; © 1 182
(?) Fourteen Charters of Henry II ...
c. 1171-4. Abbess Juliana, ffi February,' 1 199 ...
1 176-7. Nuns brought by Henry II from Fontevrault to Romsey
1199. Abbess Matilda Patric, 2^^ ]^^^; ffi 1218-19..
1200. King John at Romsey, 28th February...
1210. King John at Romsey, 22nd — 23rd January and I2th February
PAGE
49
SI
S3
S3
S4
S3
57
S8
S9
S9
59
CHAPTER V.
THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY ABBESSES.
1219. Abbess Matilda (unnamed), ffi December, 1230 ... ... 63
„ Gallows falls into disuse ... ... ... ... ... 67
1221. King John's house given to the Abbey, pth November ... 66
1230-1. Abbess Matilda de Barbfle, 14th December — 19th January;
© 14th April, 1237 ... 63
1231. Henry III at Romsey, isth March ; and on 9th January, 1235 66
,, Five oaks given for Dorter, 15th March ... ... ... 66
1237. Abbess Isabel de Nevill, 28th Apn\ — iSth May 66
„ Five New Forest bucks given for her feast, 21st May ... 66
1238. Abbess Cecilia ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 65
1 241. Tithe settlement, Adam and John, Prebendaries of Romsey,
and Rectors respectively of Romsey and Edington,
24th — 27th March 72
1244. Gift of Joan de Nevill, c. 9th July ... ... ... 74
1247. Abbess Consiancia, late Prioress, 6th — 26th September ... 64
1 25 1. Six New Forest oaks for Sacrist, 24th June ... ... ... 66
1253. Sixteen New Forest oaks for the fabric of the Church,
2ist June ... ... ... 66
1253. West End of Church in course of building ... ... ... 69
(?) Coffin lid with cross and hand ... ... ... to face 78
(?) Recumbent Effigy (now in south transept) ... ... ... 76
1261. Abbess Amicia de Sulhere, late Prioress, i6th May — 6th June 64
1263. Gallows restored, 22nd August ... ... ... ... (,n
1266. No Jew in Romsey without the Abbess's licence, 6th July
1268. Abbess Alicia Walerand, nth — 28th July; © 1 0th April, 1298
64, 78, 84
Table of Contents and Calendar. xi
A.D. PAGE
1 27 1. Six Clarendon Forest oaks given, 20th November; Lady
Chapel rebuilding ... ... ... ... 70
1272. A cask of wine given, loth May ... ... ... ... 67
1275. Edward I at Romsey, 28th — 29th January ... ... 7'. 78
1279. Right of Assize of bread and ale confirmed . ... ... 78
€.. 1282-3. Visitation of Archbishop Peckham ... ... ... ... 82
1294. Gift of John de Romeseye in Testwode, 3rd April ... ... 79
CHAPTER VI.
EARLY EPISCOPAL VISITATIONS.
1298. Abbess Phillipa de Stokes, i^th — 28th April ... ... pi. 94
1299. Gift of William Gocelyn and of Walter de Romesey, i ith July
1302. Visitation by Bishop John de Pontoise, February ' ... ... 99
1305. Attorneys appointed, Abbess being infirm, 19th February ... 91
1306. Edward I's visit, isth February
1307. Grant of Custody of Abbey, during a vacancy, 7th June .. 96
„ Abbess Clemencia de Guldeford, 23rd September — 24th Nov-
ember; ffi December, 1314 ... ... ... 91, 95
1309. Confirmation of Charter, 14th June
131 1. Visitation of Bishop Henry Woodlock, loth — 23rd March ... 102
„ Attorneys appointed. Abbess being infirm, 3rd September ... 92
1313. Release of right to appoint two nuns, given by Sir John le
Rous, September ... ... ... ... ... ... 99
13 14-15. Abbess Alicia de Wyntereshulle, 30th December-5th February;
® c. May ... 92
13 15. Commission of inquiry as to her death, 28th May and nth July 92
„ Abbess Sybil Carbonel, — 8th August; ffi ist June,
1333 •■ 93
1317. Appropriation of Itchenstoke Rectory, 6th April ... ... 99
„ Hospital of SS. Mary and Anthony mentioned, 3rd March 204
1321. " Ordination " of Romsey Vicarage, 9th September, and i8th
November, 1322 ... ... ... ... ... ... 127
1327. No more nuns to be received, 27th October ... ... ... 98
CHAPTER VH.
THE GREAT PESTILENCE.
1333. Abbess yohanna Icthe, late Cellaress, nth June-nth Sept. in
„ Ninty-one nuns mentioned by name ... ... ... ... 112
1334. Visitation by Bishop Adam Orlton, and Sermon, 28th Nov. 122
1335. The Braishfield Chantry . i\$
1340. List of Romsey Taxpayers of a " Fifteenth '... ... ... 178
1349. The Great Pestilence (Black Death). Abbess, Prebendary,
and two Vicars die. May — September ... ... n8-i27
xu
Table of Contents and Calendar.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE CLERGY, 1130—1540
PAGE
I2S
CHAPTER IX.
EDINGTON AND IMBER.
1349. Abbess Johanna Gerneys, 6th — 22nd May
1351. Appropriation of Second Prebend of S. Laurence to the
Convent, and gift by the Convent to Bishop William de
Edyndon, of Edyndon Church and Prebend, for his
Chantry there, 8th July 146
CHAPTER X.
ABBESS ISABELLA DE CAMOYS.
1352. Abbess Isabella de Camoys, 2^th — 25th November ... ... 163
1358. Transmutation of Edyndon Chantry into a House of
Augustinian Bonshommes, 6th April ... ... ... 150
1360. Gift of Walter Nott and others, isth July 170
1367. Gift of Martin Moulysche, Richard Pauncefote, and others,
7th February ... ... ... ... 170
1372. Dispute between Vicar and Convent as to blessing of palms
for Palm Sunday, 13th March ... ... 169
1373. Inquiry as to Vicar's Income, 15th March ... ... ... 128
,, Inquiry as to who should repair the North Aisle or Parish
Church, 15th March 180
1390. Confirmation of Charters by the Crown, loth May ... ... 170
1396. Abbess Lucy Everard, 17th April — 1 6th May ... ... ... 171
1396. Visitation by Bishop William of Wykeham. Date of Com-
mission, 8th September ... ... ... ... ... 172
1403. License for enlargement of Parish Church, loth May ... 180
CHAPTER XI.
THE PARISH CHURCH AND TOWN, 1340-1540
>7S
CHAPTER XII.
THE MANOR COURT ROLLS.
1405. Abbess Felicia Aas, ^ofh ]xi\y — 27th August ...
1412. Household Account Roll of Convent ..
1416. Bishop Henry Beaufort's Register (1416 — 1447) missing
1417. Abbess Matilda Lovell, 25th October — 18th November
1420. Will of John Keredyf (Cardiff), 20th August
c. 1441. Romsey Psalter written ...
. 191
192-S
196
. 196
1 9 1-2
. 286
Table of Contents and Calendar. xiii
A.D, PAGE
c 1450. Date of Red Altar Cloth, now lost ... ... ... ... 197
c. 1460. Date of Chimney Piece in house in Church Street, now
destroyed ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 196
1462. Abbess Johanna Bryggys, late Prioress, 26th April — 30th May 198
1467. New Aisle of Parish Church and Brotherhood of St. George
mentioned ... ... ... 180-182
1471-2. Entertainment of Abbess at Winchester College, last Monday
of the year ... ... ... ig8
1395. Series of Manor Court Rolls (139S — 1444) 198
The Pauncefote Family 206
CHAPTER XIII.
ABBESS ELIZABETH BROKE.
1472. Abbess Elisabeth Broke, 27th May — 22nd June; $ 12th
May, 1502 ... ... ... ... ... 211
1475. Chantry of St. George, in the Parish Church, founded
17th February 182
1478. Absolution and Re-election of Elizabeth Broke and list of
Nuns, 17th August — 14th October ... 214
1485. Gift to Chantry of St. George, nth June ••• 183
1491. Full authority with abbatial staff restored to Abbess Elizabeth
Broke .. ... ... ... ... ... 216
1492. Visitation by Commission of Archbishop Morton, 29th Oct. 216-7
1501. Visitation by Commission of the Prior of Canterbury during
the vacancy of Archbishopric, 27th March ... 222-3
1502. Abbess Joyce Rowse, 6th — i8th June; resigned i6th Sept., 1515 226
„ List of N uns at the election ... ... ... ... ... 236
1507. Admonition to Master John Folton and the Vicar of Romsey,
2nd and Sth January 228
1507. Visitation by Commission of Bishop Richard Fox, 3rd Jan. 228-232
1515. Abbess Anne Westbroke, i6th September — 9th October;
ffi 2ist November, 1523 ... ... 232
1522. Grant by Abbey of .1^133. 6s. 8d. to Henry VIII for personal
expenses in France for recovery of the crown ... ... 233
1522. Episcopal License to Richard Lyster for the celebration of
Mass in the Oratory at Stanbridge, isth September ... 234
CHAPTER XIV.
THE SUPPRESSION.
1523-24. Abbess Elizabeth Ryprose, November 24th — January 2Sth ... 241
Injunctions of Bishop Richard Fox's Chancellor 244
1525. Subsidy Roll, with list of Taxpayers, 20th January 272
1526. The King's visit to Romsey relinquished, by reason of " the
sickness " there, 6th August 244
xiv Table of Contents and Calendar.
A.D.
1527. Reprimand and punishment of two Nuns by Bishop Richard
Fox's Vicar-General, i6th January 24S-6
1527. Papal Bull of protection, shown (in Court at London) by
John Foster, 7th June 247
1534. Profession of nine Nuns, 27th and 28th July ... 248
„ Two letters of Abbess Elizabeth Ryprose to Cromwell,
November and iSth December ... ... ... ... 248
1534. Act of Supremacy passed «Vca November ... ... ... 248
„ S. George's Chantry, valued at ;£'4. i6s. 8rf 186
1535. Thomas and John Foster made " Receivers " in the Abbey,
2oth February ... ... ... ... ... 249
1536. Act of Suppression of Lesser Monasteries, February ... 250
„ " The Pilgrimage of Grace," October 250
1537. Visitation of Monasteries resumed. Autumn ... ... ... 250
„ Confirmation of Romsey Charters, 5th November
1538. Sir Richard Lyster's letter to Cromwell concerning the
alienation of property by the Abbey of Romsey, 15th
September ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 250
1538. Pensions granted by Abbess and Convent to various persons,
20th September ... ... 251
1538. Indenture relating to letting the Rectory Farm, 28th Nov.
1538. John Foster's letter to Sir Thomas Seymour, describing the
value of the Abbey, with list of twenty-six nuns, 28th
December ... ... ... ... ... ... 237, 252
1538. Richard Layton (Cromwell's Cominissioner) leaves for a visit
to Romsey Abbey ... ... ... ... 253
1539. Royal License to alienate Wiltshire Manors to Sir Thomas
Seymour, 20th and 27th January ... ... ... ... 254
1539. Suppression of Romsey Monastery ... ... 254
1539. Royal License to alienate Itchenstoke to Sir William Poulett,
Lord S. John, 22nd April
CHAPTER XV.
"AFTERWARDS."
1539. Account Roll of Henry Warner, the King's Bailiff, 29th
September ... ... ... ... ... ... 264-5
1540. John Foster's pension, ;£'20. 6s. 8d., relating to the Chapels
of SS. Andrew and Peter (made ist September, 1536),
confirmed l8th February ... ... ... ... ... 252
1540. John Mason, Prebendary of Tymesbury, 28th May .. ... 268
1541. Grant of Romsey Rectory to the Dean and Chapter of
Winchester, May ... ... .. ... ... ... 268
1541. Inquiry as to the marriage of Jane Foster, n^e Wadham,
nth June ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 255
1542. Grant by the Dean and Chapter of Winchester to Francis
Fleming, of Romsey Parsonage, 17th November ... 268
Table of Contents and Calendar. xv
A.D. PAGE
'S43- John Foster, Incumbent of Baddesley 256
„ John Newman, Vicar of Ronasey, infirm ... ... ... 268
1544. Subsidy Roll, with list of tax-payers, 12th February ... 272
„ Purchase of the Abbey Church by the townsfolk, 20th Feb. 270
„ Grant of Romsey Manors to Foster and Marden, 17th
December ... ... ... ... ... ... 187, 266
1547. Richard Wynslade presents to Vicarage, i6th March ... 268
1547. Grant to Bellowe and Biggot, 28th January ... ... ... 267
IS49' Subsidy Roll, with list and occupations of tax-payers, 6th May 272
ISS4- Church Plate restored by the Crown '. ... 270
ISS4- Sir Richard Lister dies, 17th March ... ... ... ... 266
1558. Mention of " Mayor and Constables '' ... ... ... 276
1558. Grant of ■ Manor of Romsey Extra to Sir Francis Flemynge,
18th July 267
„ Dean and Chapter present to the Vicarage for the first time,
6th September ... ... ... ... ... ... 269
,, Will of Sir Francis Flemynge, 24th August ... ... ... 278
1569. Registers of Parish Church begin ... ... ... ... 281
1578. Mention of " William Pratt, now Mayor," 14th May ... 277
CHAPTER XVL
THE ROMSEY PSALTER 285
CHAPTER XVII.
THE FAMILY "DE ROMESEY" 305
APPENDICES.
A. Who was S. ^Ethelfl^da ?
B. Romsey Notes from Domesday.
C. Mr. John Latham and his Collections.
NOTES.
1. The Abbey was a Royal Foundation.
2. It was dedicated in honour of S. Mary and S. .lEthelflaeda.
3. The names of thirty-three Abbesses are known.
4. The Convent existed for c. 632 years.
5. It held property in four Counties.
6. It was a home of learning in early days.
7. It fell into disrepute about the close of the 15th century.
8. The Suppression took place in the Spring of iS39-
Dates are given according to modern reckoning. The sign [ffi] is
used to indicate the day or year of death.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
TO FACE PAGE
Recumbent Effigy, S. Transept Frontispiece.
The Nave. Romsey Abbey (twelfth and thirteenth centuries) ... 14
Saxon Rood, South Choir Aisle .. ... ... 36
Plan of Romsey Abbey ... ... ... ... 38
Norman Rood, Site of Cloister ... ... ... ... ... ... 40
Carving — South Choir Aisle ... ... ... ... ... ... 44
Carvings on Norman Capitals, South and North Choir Aisles ... 50
Convent Seal, A.D. 1 130 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 52
Nave Arcade and North Aisle ... ... ... ... ... ... 58
Seal of Vicar Nicholas de Sancto Botolpho, a.d. 1334-49 ... ... 64
Seal of Abbess Constance, a.d. 1247-61 ... ... ... ... 64
The East End 68
The West End 68
The East End, and Site of Lady Chapel ... ... ... ... 70
Coffin Lids, thirteenth century ... ... ... ... 78
Carvings, chiefly on North Side ... ... ... ... ... ... 92
The Three Entrances ... ... ... ... ... ... ... no
The Outer Gate, before Rebuilding, A.D. 1886-88 114
Coffin Lid of Abbess Joan Icthe, a.d. 1349 ... ... 120
Edington Church, Wiltshire ... ... ... ... ... ... 126
Edington Church, Wiltshire ... ... .. ... ... ... 150
Imber Church, Wiltshire ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 154
Effigies of " Le Rous," Imber Church ... ... .. 156
Injunctions of Bishop William of Wykeham ... ... ... ... 16S
North Side of Romsey Abbey, shewing Nave Aisle or Parish Church
of S. Laurence ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 180
North Transept Screen (from within) ... ... ... ... ... 184
Ancient House in Church Street ... ... ... ... ... 196
Chimney-piece of House in Church Street — Circa 1460 ... ... 198
Altar Frontal, c. 1450 202
The Sanctuary — Temp. 1806-1816 ... ... ... ... ... 214
Nave Choir Aisle and Apse ... ... .. 228
Convent Seal (probably of late date) ... ... ... ... ... 244
Mr. John Latham, F.R.S., f.s.a. ... 254
Deed of Sale of Abbey Church by King Henry VIII to the Inhabitants 270
The Nave from the Sanctuary, c. 1836 276
Page of the Romsey Psalter, c. 1441 286
Mr. Latham as a child ... ... ... 330
Sketch Map of the District 8
Map of Romsey 282
XVlll
LIST OF ABBESSES
Abbess -
907
966
^Iflaeda. ® 959 (?)
S. Merwinna.
•••999
<.. 1003
c. 1016
Elwina.i
S. ^thelflaeda.'
Wulfynn.
A. D.
Date
Abbess [Bishop]
Prebendary of Edington
1199
3 June
Matilda Patriz, soror of Walter
Walerand. ffi28 Oct. 1218-27
Oct. 1219
1219
Matilda [unnamed]; ® Dec. 1230
I 230-1
14 Dec.-ig Jan.
Matilda de Barbfle; ® 14 Apr.
1237
1237
28 Apr- IS May
Isabella de Nevill
1238
...
Cecilia
c. 1240
...
John de Romesia
1247
6^26 Sept
Constancia, late Prioress
?
...
John de Whwytechirch
1261
16 May-6 June
Amicia de Sulhere, late Prioress
1262
...
Geoffrey Britoni
1268
11-28 July
Alicia Walerand; ffi 10 Apr. 1298
1282
14 June; ® 4 Dec. 1304
[John de Pontoise]
1286
...
John de Berwick
1289
3 Dec
...
1294
John de Romesey
1294-7
129B
13-28 Apr
Philippa de Stokes
1302
...
John de London, r.
1304
14 Nov.
I30S
30 May; ffi28June, 1316
[Henry Woodlock]
1307
23 Sept.-24 Nov.
Clemencia de Guldeford ; ® Dec.
[1314
1312
22 Sept.
Gilbert de Middleton ;
[ffi I33<:
I314-S
30 Dec.-s Feb.
Alicia de Wyntereshulle ; ffi May
[131S
I3IS
8 Aug
Sybil Carbonel ; ffi i June, 1333
1316
31 Oct.; ffi 2 Nov. 1319
[John de Sandale]
1320
17N0V.; e 12 Apr. 1323
... [Rigaud de Asserio]
1321
II Sept
• "
1323
26 June
[John de Stratford]
132s
8-10 Apr
c- 1331
Robert de Stratford ..
[Bp. Chichester, 30
Nov. 1337
1 The dates are given thus, owing to the mention of the young
the raid on Romsey when Elwina was Abbess. He was born about
Canute taking part in
994-
XIX
AND CLERGY.
Abbess
c. I02S ^lfg3rfu.'
c. 1 130 Hadewisa.
c. 1150 Matildis. ffi uSS-
1 155 Mary, married 1 161 ; 6 ii8a.
c. 1 171-74 Juliana, ffi February, 1199.
Prebendary of S. Laureoce
Major
Prebendary of S. Laurence
2nd portion
Vicar of S. Laurence
Adam
Solomon de Roffa
William de Perham
James Synobaldi de Florencia
[Archdeacon of Winchester]
Robert de Maydenstane
Nicholas de Maydenstane
Richard de Chaddesley, d.c.l.
Richard de Lusteshull, 15 Aug.
Henry de Chulmark
Henry de Langeberughe,
[7 Nov.
2 The names of Abbesses are missing for about a century.
The letter (r) signifies ' ' resigned. ' ' The sign ffi means ' ' death. '■
List of Abbesses
Date
[Bishop]
Prebendary of Edington
I I June-3 Sept.
Sept.; e 18 July, 1345
17 Nov.
3-12 July
22 July
14 May; B 7 Oct., 1366
6 May-2Z May
27 June
13 July
17 Sept.
4 June ...
28 Oct.
24 and 25 Nov.
28 Feb.
6 Apr
8-18 Oct
loOct.; 927 Sept. 1404
25 Aug
9 June ...
3 Feb
17 Apr.-i6 May
8 Apr
30 July-27 Aug.
ffi II Apr. 1447
25 Oct.- 1 8 Nov.
30 July; ffi II Aug. i^
c. 28 July
Johanna Icthe, late Cellaress .
[Adam Orlton]
[William de Edyndon]
Johanna Gerneys
Isabella de Camoys
[William of Wykeham]
Lucy Everard
Felicia Aas
[Henry Beaufort]
Matilda Lovell
[William of Waynflete]
John S. Paul
Gilbert de Bruera, ,
[Oct. 13S1
John de Edyndon, r. ; 29
Walter Scarlet ^
Walter deSevenhampton'
John de Aylesbury^; 925
[Mar. 1382
Thomas Odyham
Thomas Culmer
Thomas Elme ; ffi 21 Ap.
[1450
William Godwyn
1 Wardens of Chantry.
AND Clergy.
Prebendary of S. Laurence
Major
Prebendary of S. Laurence
2nd portion
Vicar of S. Laurence
Peter de Galtciano
Geoffrey le Scrope
Nicholas de Botelston
John de Crockford
William de Edyndon
Andrew de Offerd, d.c.l.
[John Wawayn]
[William de Farlegh]. [In 1439
Canon of Sarum and Rector
of Hurslee]
John de Nubbeleye [last Preb.]
William de Bures
John de Minstede [still Vicar,
1367]
WsJter de Sevenhampton, m.a.
Adam de Hertyngdon ...
Nicholas de Wykeham [ffi 1406]
•
John Foliott
Thomas Eggesworthe
Roger Purye
John Umf ray [still Vicar, 1420]
John Forest
John Kent, ex. to S. Laurence,
Winchester, in 1452
John Bayly, m.a.
John Bayly, m.a.
2 He and his successors, Rectors of Augustinian Bonshommes.
xx:i
List of Abbesses
A. D.
Date
1462
1464
146s
1472
1478
(?)
1483
1487
1493
(?)
1493
1494
1501
1502
1502
1505
IS"
iS'S
ISIS
1520
1522
1523-4
1529
IS3I
IS34
1S38
1540
IS47
iSSi
iSS6
iSS8
26 April-30 May
6 Mar.
27 May-22 June-
17 Aug.-I4 Oct.
13 July
4 Feb
29 Jan. ; ffi22Sept.l492
3 Jan
® 27 Jan. 1501
Spring; ffi 14 Sept. 1528
31 Mar.
6 June-i8 June
(?)
22 Oct.
16 Sept.-g Oct.
4 Jan
30 Dec.
24 N0V.-25 Jan.
Apr. ; e 29 Nov. 1530
3 Dec. ; ffi 12 Nov. ISSS
28 May
16 Mar.
8 Mar.; ® II Aug. 1556
ffi 12 Jan. 1560
6 Sept.
Abbess
[Bishop]
Johanna Bryggys, late Prioress
Elizabeth Broke; e 12 May, 1502
El. Broke [re-elected]
[Peter Courtenay]
[Thomas Langton]
[Richard Fox]
Joyce Rowse, late Kitchener ;
r. 16 Sept. 1515
Anne Westbroke, late Mistress
of ye School, and Sexteyness
ffi 21 Nov., 1523
Elizabeth Ryprose
[Thomas Wolsey]
[Stephen Gardiner]
... Qohn Poynet]
... [John White]
Prebendary of Edington
William Newton
William Hull or Hill
John S. John
John Ryve
Paul Bush 1
1 He surrendered Edington 31 Mar. 1539, and eventually became Bp. of Bristol.
xxni
AND Clergy.
Prebendary of S. Laiirence
Major
Prebendary of S. Laurence
2nd portion
Vicar of S. Laurence
John Pemerton
John Grene, m.a., r.
Oliver Dynham [still here, 1492]
Edward Col[e]man, m.a.
Barnard Bobin, r.
Richard Sclater, r.
Thomas Nayle, m.a.
[Will, dated 19 Aug. 1505]
Hugh Ashton
[Archdeacon, 1511 ; res. 1519]
•■
John Hopwode
John Dowman, ll.d.
John Newman, ll.b.
Nicholas Delburge
John Mason, r. Apr. 7, 1546
Walter Morrys
Thomas Chester
CHAPTER I.
■ The Test . .
INTRODUCTION.
rising clear and pure out of Overton Pool."
KlNGSLEY's Waterbabies.
Chapter I.
INTRODUCTION.
'T'HE Town of Romsey situate in the New Forest
Division of South Hampshire, though but little
known to-day, was once famous. Kings visited it, and
Princesses made it their dwelling-place. The Town pos-
sesses two attractions of great beauty, the Abbey Church
and the River Test. It is a matter of regret that these
attractions are not better known, for they afford very real
pleasure to lovers of architecture, and of pleasant country
scenery, such as is characteristic of these South Hampshire
valleys.
The river claims prior attention, not only as the older
attraction, but as being indeed the maker of Romsey,
for it is quite certain that the Abbey was placed here
owing to the convenient and pleasant site created by the
river. No river, no abbey — and the town may therefore
look with gratitude to the River Test, both as the author
of its being, and as the great benefactor which caused it
to be endowed with so beautiful and valuable a treasure
as the Abbey Church. The Test or Teorstan, as it
was called in Saxon days, rises thirty-five miles away in
Overton Pool, and is said to be the longest river in the
county. It flows down between chalk hills, which are a
characteristic of this part of Hampshire, and has all the
charms of chalk streams, such as Charles Kingsley
4 Records of Romsey Abbey.
delighted to describe. Here are clear waters, a swift
current, and the trout he loved so well.
The stream, after passing Whitchurch and Longparish,
is joined by the Anton from Andover, one mile below
Wherwell. At Wherwell stood a Benedictine Nunnery,
made famous by the residence of two unhappy Queens.
The one, Elfrida, the widow of King Edgar the Peaceable,
founded it in expiation of her crime in murdering her
step-son Edward at Corfe Castle. The other, Eadgyth,
daughter of Earl Godwin, and the young wife of Edward
the Confessor, was banished here for a time by reason of the
jealousy of the Norman courtiers, and was placed under the
charge of the Abbess, the King's sister. In this neighbour-
hood. King Edgar is reported to have slain the Ealdorman
^thelwold, for his treacherous conduct in reporting un-
favourably of the charms of .^Elfthryth or Elfrida, the
daughter of Ordgar, Earl of Devon, and marrying the lady
himself Here too, is laid the scene of the strange wooing,
by Edgar, of the Lady Wlfhilda, and of the romantic
escape of this courageous maiden from the too importunate
advances of her royal lover. Passing Leckford, the Test
flows by Stockbridge, and a little lower down, at Horse-
bridge, the old Roman road from Winchester to Salisbury
passes over it. To the east lies King's Sombourne, so
called because the Crown held property there, and at one
time owned a mansion in the parish. This village gives
its name to the Hundred.
Three miles below this point the valley narrows, and
the bright clear stream flows through meadows, standing
thick with long grass in the summer season, and edged
by borders of rushes and great reeds. From the rising
ground on the west bank, a spring pours forth its waters
to join the river, and at this spot stood the Priory of
Mottisfont, the Mortesfunde of Domesday. When some
Introduction. 5
alterations were being made in the present dwelling-house
in 1901, it was found that several of the rooms had been
constructed within the old Priory Church. The first settle-
ment of Augustinian Monks was made here in the reign of
King John, when William Briwere of King's Sombourne,
Chief Baron of Hampshire, and Sheriff of the County in
1207, founded the Priory. His benevolent example was
followed by his brother the hermit, Peter de RivalHs,
known as " the holy man in the wall," who enriched
Mottisfont with his savings. On the same side of the
river, but lower down, is Kimbridge, which once belonged
to the Cantertons, a New Forest family.
Away on a hill to the east is the village of Michelmersh,
called Michelmareys in a deed of circa 1248, and Micla-
mersee in a Saxon charter of King Ethelred H, of 985.
Possibly the name indicates the great marsh which
stretched out below the village right across the valley of
the Test. The manor of this village, from the time of
Queen Emma, the wife (successively) of .Ethelred the Un-
ready and Canute, belonged to the Priory of St. Swithun's,
Winchester. It was part of the Queen's property and was
given by her to St. Swithun's as a thank-offering, so runs
the legend, on her acquital from a base charge of too great
intimacy with Bishop Alwine, she having successfully
passed the ordeal of walking barefoot on hot ploughshares.
Below Mottisfont the river turns slightly to the east, and
the church of Timsbury or Timberbury stands on slightly
rising ground on the left or eastern bank. This church
was attached to, or dependent on, one of the Prebendal
Stalls of Romsey, and is an ancient Norman edifice. On
the opposite bank, and a little away from the river, is the
site of the ancient manor house of Stanbridge, the home so
it has been conjectured of Ethelwulfe, the father of Alfred
the Great. The present house dates only from the time of
6 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Queen Elizabeth. On the hill a little further south may be
seen Roke or Oke Manor. Below the hill is a wood called
Squab or Quabbe, which takes its name from the marshy-
nature of the ground. Near Kimbridge, the river, uniting
with another stream from Lockerly and East Dean,
flows out into a wide valley, which is intersected by many
streams and which no doubt formed, in the old days, the
Great Marsh referred to above in reference to the name of
the village of Michelmersh.
Many mills are turned by these streams to-day, just as
similar ones have been turned by the same water power
for probably a thousand years. Three mills are mentioned
in Domesday as belonging to Romsey. The Town is not
only surrounded by these streams, which form an island,
but it actually stands upon several of the smaller ones. A
branch of the Fishlake Stream flows under Porter's Bridge
Street and crosses the Hundred on the east side of the
Market Place, at a spot where the Hundred Bridge
formerly stood. Another branch of this stream, which
divides the parish into Romsey Infra and Romsey Extra,
passes beneath the pavement in Church or Churchstigel,
i.e., Churchstyle Street, and flowing through the Market
Place, makes its way round by the Abbey Gate and turns
the Abbey Mill No. I. This stream finds its way out of
the town by a double branch and joins the stream of
Abbey Mill No. H. To the west of the great church there
are two streams, one at the foot of the vicarage meadow
which turns Abbey Mill No. H, and the other, the main
stream or old Teorstan lying some few hundred yards
beyond, which, after being turned to account by Sadler's
Mill, receives the water of the lesser streams and flows
under Middlebridge. The water about these mills is clear,
bright, and swift, and it is pleasant on a summer's evening
to watch the trout lying quiet under the bank or gliding up
Introduction. 7
stream, and to hear the splash of the water as one rises to
a fly. At Sadler's Mill, in spawning time, salmon may be
seen leaping high out of the water, bars of glowing silver,
and casting themselves into the mill race in their mad
endeavour to win the higher reaches of the stream.
Perhaps the marshy nature of the ground gave the
place-name to Romsey ; " Rom," it is true, means broad,
but " Ruimne " means marshy, and the name almost
certainly originated with the latter and means, " the
isle in the marshes." It is spelt in a variety of ways,
Romeseye, Romsey, Rumsey, and in the Hyde Register,
(A.D. 1016-25,) Hrumesig, where the expression Nomina
sororum Hrumensis CcBnobii is also found. If the marshy
character of the ground be thought to have originated the
name, the similar conditions and names found in the case
of Ramsey, Hunts, of Romney, Kent, and of Rumbridge,
lower down the Test, will give point to the argument. It
may also be worth noticing that " Rhymni " is used to
indicate the marshy land, in Monmouth, on a river called
by the same name, from the nature of the land through
which it flows. If " Ruimne " be Gaelic, says Mr. Shore in
his History of Hampshire, " Romsey is a very early name
and we may suppose there was a settlement before Saxon
times."
After passing the modern Middlebridge, built in place
of an older structure which is mentioned in the records of
the Civil Wars, the Test flows at the foot of Broadlands'
or Brodelondes' Lawns. Pauncefoot Hill lies away on the
right, going down stream, and the road after passing it
leads in about two miles to a spur of high ground over-
looking the valley, where is a small hamlet called Ridge or
Rige. On the opposite side of the valley and at some
distance is Ashfield or Ashfold, and straight ahead in the
meadow land, as its name implies, is the hamlet of Lee.
8 Records of Romsey Abbey.
The river dividing into two branches passes Moorecourt
and the Manor of Wade by Oure on the right, and Grove
Place with the Manor of Welles on the left. The latter
place is frequently referred to from early days, but the
present mansion dates from the time of Queen Elizabeth.
About three miles from Romsey, Nursling Church is
reached. In old days a monastery stood here, made
famous as the home of St. Boniface, from whence he went
forth to carry on his missionary work throughout Germany.
At the time of the Danish incursions in the tenth century
Nursling or Nutceling perished, and the monastery was
never rebuilt.
At Redbridge, Southampton Water meets the river, and
here Romsey Abbey owned a saltern ; close by are Totton
or Todyngton and Eling, both of which places are con-
nected with the Abbey. Testwood, too, is a familiar name
in records of the neighbourhood, and Rumbridge, already
referred to, lay between the two former places. On the
west side of the head of the Water lies Marchwood,
sometimes called Marchwood Rumsey, owing to a family
of the name of Rumsey having possessed it in old days.
Southampton Water at full tide is graceful and picturesque
with a peaceful still beauty, but to be appreciated it should
be seen in its glory, with the setting sun kindling the dark
waters into flame.
This slight survey of the course of the River Test and
of the villages, hamlets, manors, and farms on either bank
may be of use in giving a general idea of the country, and
of the various names and places which will frequently be
met with in any description of the Records of Romsey.
CHAPTER II.
A.D. 907 — 1025.
THE FOUNDATION.
' The race of Alfred covets glorious pains,
. . . . . . . bold to strive
With the fierce tempest, while, within the round
Of their protection, gentle virtues thrive. "—Wordsworth.
Chapter II.
THE FOUNDATION.
"T^HE first establishment of a religious house at Romsey
was made by King Edward the Elder, the son and
successor of Alfred the Great. Edward's reign lasted for
twenty-three years (901 — 924), and he is supposed to have
founded Romsey Abbey in 907.
The Nunnery was, at this time, quite a small house, and
similar to Saint Mary's, at Winchester, which is described
as " the little Monastery " (monasteriolium) ; it may indeed
be doubted if the sisters lived in community under one
roof. Very little is known about this establishment. King
Edward's eldest daughter by ^Iflaeda, his first wife, was
buried here ; her name was ^Iflseda, she and her sister
.(Ethelhilda, both entered the religious life, but the latter as
a lay sister only. They are connected with the Monastery
at Wilton, near Salisbury, and whilst .^Ethelhilda was buried
there, ./Elflaeda found a resting place at Romsey. Her Obit
was commemorated at Saint Mary's, Winchester, on March
6th, and probably at Romsey also. It has been said that
she was Abbess of Romsey. This is, by no means, un-
likely, because of her kinship with the Founder, and her
burial there. Her half-sister, St. Edburga, lived and died
a member of the sister establishment of Saint Mary's,
Winchester, and of her it is recorded that she not only
became Abbess, but that finally her name was joined with
12 Records of Romsey Abbey.
the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a Patron Saint
of that House. St. Edburga died in the year 925 (?) ; her
Obit was kept on 15th June, and her Translation on the
1 8th July. Leland, quoting from an ancient writer, says
"that Elfleda, Abbess of St. Mary's, re-covered the mortuary
chest of St. Edburga with gold and silver." If the reference
is to Romsey and to the daughter of Edward the Elder, it
would go far to establish the supposition that Elfleda was
an Abbess of Romsey. She must, however, be carefully
distinguished from a later Abbess and Saint, whose name
was coupled with the Blessed Virgin Mary as a Patron
Saint of Romsey Abbey.
These ladies, the daughters of Edward, and grand-
daughters of Alfred, were not unworthy of the stock from
which they sprang, and seem to have repaid the great care
spent upon them. It is recorded that Edward the Elder
carried on the traditions of his father and caused his
children to be very carefully educated. " In childhood,
his daughters gave their whole attention to literature, and
afterwards employed themselves in the labours of the
distaff and needle." There are vestments, including a
stole, at Durham, which Athelstan, the son and successor
of Edward, offered for the body of Saint Cuthbert. " The
stole is woven in gold wire, with self-edged openings for
the insertion of figures of the prophets and letters in
tapestry work. On it is inscribed the sentence ' Aelflaed
fieri prtecepit pio episcopo Fridestana.' {^Iflced caused
it to be made for the pious bishop, Frithestan.) The two
names inscribed show that this stole was worked by the
ladies of the Court at Winchester, 910-915, when Edward's
daughters were being educated there." Frithestan was
Bishop of Winchester 909-931, and the .^Iflaed, here
spoken of, was the Queen of Edward the Elder, and
mother of ^Elfleda of Romsey. It may be that the young
The Foundation. 13
Princesses took part in making these very vestments, and
in any case these specimens of Saxon work exhibit a
glimpse of the refined and elevating surroundings amidst
which the daughters of Edward were brought up.
There is no information available as to the Romsey
Nunnery at this time, but the "little monastery" at
Winchester may serve to illustrate the first fifty years of
Romsey history. By the middle of the century Saint
Mary's was nearly ruined, and was refounded under King
Edgar by the energy of ^thelwold, Bishop of Winchester.
Now Romsey was also refounded at the same time, and
extensive additions were made to its possessions by King
Edgar ; it is therefore likely that this house also had fallen
upon bad times, and had sunk into decay. The decay was
general ; the King declares, " All the monasteries in my
realm, to the outward sight, are nothing but worm-eaten
and rotten timber and boards ; and that worse is, they are
almost empty and devoid of divine service." But if the
decay was general, the reform and restoration of the
monastic system was carried out with vigour and success.
In after days, men looked back to the reign of Edgar the
Peaceable as to a glorious time ; abundant epithets were
attached to his name to express the feeling with which the
peace and prosperity of the strong rule was regarded. The
success of this rule depended greatly upon the vigorous
ministers whom Edgar associated with himself; the names
of Dunstan, and .^Ethelwold Bishop of Winchester, are well
known, and they carried their vigour not least into the
reorganisation of the monasteries. In this work they were
greatly assisted by Oswald, Bishop of Worcester, who had
studied the revival of monastic discipline in the Benedictine
houses abroad, by a residence at Fleury, the chief centre of
the revival.
In the year 964 the clergy of Saint Swithun's, Win-
14 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Chester, were driven out, and regular monks of the
Benedictine order were introduced ; and about the same
time Saint Mary's in the same .city was remodelled.
Sometime before 966 the attention of the King and his
ministers was given to Romsey ; in this year the King
renewed the privileges of the Nunnery and confirmed to
the sisters their liberty, so long as they should elect their
Abbess according to the rule of Saint Benedict.
" To the nuns, living according to the rule, I concede for ever the
liberty of monastic privilege, so long after the death of the illustrious
Abbess Merwenna (in whose time this restoration of liberty was
conceded by the favour of Christ) as the liberty of this privilege is
held successively in personal use by all ; the whole congregation of
the aforesaid monastery, electing according as the rule instituted of
the blessed Benedict appoints, shall elect an Abbess rightly out of the
same company of sisters. Nor may anyone from outside, trusting to
tyrannical contumacy in the aforesaid monastery and taking it by
force, exercise the right of power in the aforesaid monastery.''
The King after speaking of their illustrious Abbess
Merwenna, makes a reference to his Catholic predecessors,
and confirms to the Monastery the lands granted by kings,
and people of either sex. There is an interesting addition
at the close of the Charter which recounts how for the
wood belonging to this land, there was given to the King
900 mancuses of golden marks in a goblet of wonderful
workmanship, and in cups beautifully sculptured, and a
case gorgeously decorated in gold. In 968 Edgar granted
land at Edington and Ashton in Wiltshire, and freed it
from all yoke of service with three exceptions, which are
found in other charters of this period : military service,
repair of bridges, and maintenance of fortifications. The
King did not forget the poor, and alms were yearly distri-
buted at the rate of £1 each between thirteen poor and
feeble women, and seven old and feeble men, according to
his foundation, and this was continued down to the time
of the suppression of the Monasteries.
The Foundation. 15
In 972 the King's son, Edmund Atheling, was buried at
Romsey, and the saintly Merwenna found a resting-place
here according to the Anglo-Saxon lists ; her obit was kept
on 13th May, but the year of her death is unknown. One
list mentions that Queen Batildis* was enshrined in Romsey
Abbey ; the reference is probably to some portion of her
body which was kept as a precious relic, as the custom was
in those days.
No doubt great interest was taken in the Royal
Monastery, and many gifts were received ; a mysterious
reference in the Charter of Edgar refers to " the golden
crucifix, which speaks in Latin, and the evergreen boughs,
an J>are goleggede (gold edged ?) hause)7 mid golde,
given to the same place.'' The text of this paragraph is
said to be very corrupt. In 982 Ethelmere, the Governor
of Hampshire, left £7. to the Monastery, an instance
probably of many such bequests.
Great as was Edgar's rule, the King does not seem
to have been free from the faults of his age. Several
stories of a scandalous nature have survived, and are to be
found in the early writers. Possibly they are not all or
entirely true, probably there was some cause for them.
As a youth he had been brought up by Alfwen, the
wife of Athelstan, the half-king of East Anglia, his foster
brothers being the celebrated Ethelwold, yElfwold, and the
pious .^thelwine, called "the friend of God," from his
beneficence towards the religious. Ethelwold succeeded
his father, and a legendary story paints both him and
Edgar in very unpleasing colours.
Sometime about 960 Edgar, then seventeen years old,
heard of the beauty of a certain ^thelthryth or Elfrida,
*This lady was of Saxon birth, the wife of one, Clovis the II, and the mother
of three Prankish Kings. She was a great benefactor of Monasteries, and
especially of Chelles, near Paris, where she was buried circa 678.
1 6 Records of Romsev Abbey.
the daughter of Ordgar, Duke of Devonshire. The story,
as related by WiHiam of Malmesbury (i2th century), is
as follows : — " There was in his (Edgar's) time, one Athel-
wold, a nobleman of celebrity, and one of his confidants ;
him the King had commissioned to visit Elfrida, daughter
of Ordgar, Duke of Devonshire (whose charms had so
fascinated the eyes of some persons that they commended
her to the King), and to offer her marriage, if her beauty
were really equal to report. Hastening on his embassy,
and finding everything consonant to general estimation, he
concealed his mission from her parents, and procured the
damsel for himself Returning to the King, he told a tale
which made for his own purpose, that she was a girl of
vulgar and commonplace appearance, and by no means
worthy of such transcendent dignity. When Edgar's heart
was disengaged from this affair, and employed on other
amours, some tattlers acquainted him how completely
Athelwold had duped him by his artifices. Driving out
one nail with another, that is returning him deceit for
deceit, he showed the Earl a fair countenance, and, as in a
sportive manner, appointed a day when he should visit
this far-famed lady. Terrified almost to death with this
dreadful pleasantry, he hastened before to his wife,
entreating that she should administer to his safety by
attiring herself as unbecomingly as possible ; then, first
disclosing the intention of such a proceeding. But what
did not this woman dare ? She was hardy enough to deceive
the confidence of her miserable lover, her first husband, to
adorn herself at the mirror and to omit nothing which
could stimulate the desire of a young and powerful man.
Nor did events happen contrary to her design ; for he fell
so desperately in love with her the moment he saw her,
that, dissembling his indignation, he sent for the Earl into
a wood at Warewell, under pretence of hunting, and ran
him through with a javelin."
The Foundation. 17
Gaimar, in his historical poem of the twelfth century,
gives a much more graphic and detailed account of this
story. It is too long to quote at length, but two points are
worth referring to. Gaimar relates that a son was born to
Athelwold, and that because Athelwold feared the King he
begged him to stand as godfather, thereby causing Edgar to
become bound by ties of spiritual affinity to Elfrida, which
he hoped would be an effectual check to any possibility of
marriage. Gaimar adds that Elfrida never loved Athelwold,
and would never have borne him a son if she could have
helped it. Besides relating the birth of a child, Gaimar
gives a different account of Athelwold's end. " The King
had summoned the barons to guard the land. He sent
Athelwold to York ; he entrusted him with the land in the
north ; all judicature from the Humber northwards he
committed to his command. Hastily and without delay
he set out to direct (the affairs of) the country; he received
such writs as he desired. Now Lord Edelwold departed.
In going to this land he did not know what people he
would meet there ; they were outlaws and enemies ; there
then this wicked man was killed. Some say that King
Edgar sent this company, but no one knows so much about
it as to dare to affirm that it was he who killed him."
The scandalous part of the story is rejected by modern
historians, and it has been proved by Mr. E. W. Robertson,
in his historical essays, that the King did not marry Elfrida
till 964, two years after Ethelwold's death, which took place
in 962. But it was worth the telling here, because it
introduces both persons and places intimately connected
with Romsey Abbey.
Ethelwold had married as his first wife a lady of noble
descent — Brithwina — by whom he had several children.
His youngest daughter, either by her or by his second wife,
Elfrida, was baptized by the name of ^Ethelflaeda. Before
1 8 Records of Romsey Abbey.
her father died, and while he lay sick, he commanded his
wife (Elfrida ?) to found Romsey Monastery, and dedicate
it in honour of Mary the Mother of God, in the town in
which they were then living. On his death his wife, not
forgetful of his command, gave their house at Clare to
Romsey Church. This property may without doubt be
identified with the land held by Romsey, at Sydmanton, in
the Hundred of Clere Regis or Kingsclere in North
Hampshire. The Manor formed part of the Abbey's
possessions at the time when Doomesday was compiled,
and continued in the hands of the Convent down to the
suppression of the Monasteries. One account says that
.^thelflaeda was not born until after her father's death.
If this be so her mother must have been Elfrida the
celebrated beauty of Devonshire. That this lady married
again two years after her husband's death is a fact of
history. She became Queen in spite of the rule that
second marriages were uncanonical and that priests were
forbidden to bless such unions. Archbishop Dunstan
appears to have reproved the royal couple and to have
besought them to part, but in vain.
Except for the mystery of her birth, the story of
.^thelflaeda's life is fairly plain and straightforward. " As
she grew in years so she grew without care for earthly
things, but owing to her step-mother's second marriage,
and the gift of Clare to Romsey, she became destitute,
which, Edgar hearing of, he, with the consent of the Queen,
placed her at Romsey, under the care of the saintly
Merwenna, whom he had made Abbess of that house."
Here she took the veil, and was consecrated by Bishop
^thelwold, sometime before Edgar's death in 975, when
she would have been at least thirteen years old.
The following account of the Saint is taken from a
MS. once in the Library of Romsey Convent, and now to
The Foundation. ig
be found amongst the B.M. MSS., Lands, No. 436. It is
described in the catalogue as belonging to the fourteenth
century, and contains a chronicle of the Saxon Kings and
the Lives of English Saints, there are forty-seven lives, of
which the sixteenth is headed thus : —
f)ere l^eains tbe account of Saint Jliricda and
Saint mcrtuinna. Virains and ilbbcsscs.
During the reign of Edgar, the illustrious and most
Christian King of the English, there was a certain
nobleman, by name Edwold, who, on account of his
probity and tried fidelity, seemed to the King to excel all
the rest of the courtiers of the royal service.
The King therefore gave to him in marriage Brichgiva,
a young lady discreet in manners and handsome in form,
and near of kin to his wife. Queen Elfrida. This lady had
by him a large family of sons and daughters. Now, before
the birth of her last daughter, in sign that she should be a
child of light and worthy of God, the mother saw in a
dream a ray of the glorious sun break forth above her head.
In due time she gave birth to a daughter, re-born by the
Holy Spirit through Baptism, by the Christian name
Athelfleda. Who, born and re-born, was always pleasing
to Christ, because the more she grew in age and stature,
so much the more fully was she without desire for carnal
pleasures. Which King Edgar hearing of, and not un-
mindful of the probity and fidelity of the dead Ethelwold,
delivered the daughter Athelfleda, who was near of kin to the
Queen, to the Blessed Merwenna, Abbess of the Monastery
of Romsey, which he had constructed, to be brought up by
her. After a time the Blessed Merwynna, having proved
her to be active in the works of saintliness and obedience,
recognised her as one who would undoubtedly profit under
God's favour in the church. She therefore cherished her
20 Records of Romsey Abbey.
with the privilege of so great a love, that in going out and
coming in, by day and by night, she desired to have her
continually in attendance. And right well did Abbess
Merwynna behave as a most sweet mother to Ethelfleda,
and Ethelfleda as a most loving daughter to Merwynna.
The one taught the way of the Lord in truth as a most
modest mother, and the other, by entire obedience as a
dutiful daughter, retained zealously what she had been
taught. The one, as a torch of light, showed the way
without error along the path of righteousness, the other,
delighting in such a leader, followed without stumbling.
The one on fasting days chastened her body by hunger,
the other, whatever by abstinence from food she withheld
from the body, she distributed to the poor in secret.
The King and Queen, pleased with her saintliness, with
the consent of the Blessed Merwynna, caused her to be
consecrated by the Bishop of Winchester, of good memory.
And she lived henceforward under Abbess Merwynna for
some time, abundant in virtues, generous in alms, constant
in watches, in speech vigilant, in mind humble, of joyful
countenance, and kindly mannered to the poor. And
that she might hide her saintliness and be able to help
the destitute, she pretended at table among her com-
panions to drink when she did not drink, and to eat when
she did not eat, hiding in her sleeves the food which she
was intending to bestow upon the poor.
Applying herself constantly to prayer, she loved the
ecclesiastical and regular institutions, insomuch that she
would never hear or say the canonical hours, as long as
she lived the cloister life with the convent sisters, except
within the church, nor would she omit any Hour on
account of any secular business, nor be hindered by the
greatest indisposition of body. In the church, the Blessed
Ethelfleda in the singing and reading which were enjoined
The Foundation. 21
her was careful to fulfil her turn without a murmur. How
acceptable to God her service was, He deigned to show by
a glorious miracle. On her night for reading the lesson
after receiving the benediction she approached the pulpit,
but the lamp which she took in her hand to give light for
reading was extinguished, I do not say by chance, but by
the providence of God, as the sequel showed. O, great
grace of God ! abundant mercy did not permit light in
darkness to be without light. For such brilliance shone
around from the fingers of the right hand of Ethelfleda,
the handmaiden of God, that it gave the clearest light
to those around, and ministered to the reading very
brilliantly. Nor did the heavenly splendour pass away
before the lesson was entirely read by the servant of
God, and the earthly light brought in. Wherefore it is
to be ascribed to the finger of God that those fingers
were illuminated, which, as is believed, were wholly free
from unlawful touch.
It happened once on a time that her teacher went into
a plantation of saplings, near to the house, where Athelfleda
with the rest of the young girls was accustomed to study.
Now whilst the mistress alone and without any witness
was privately cutting the switches, the Blessed Athelfleda
miraculously saw through the wall of the stone house, as
through a glass, the saplings in the hands of the mistress
cut for beating herself or her companions, which, tied up
into bundles, she feared no less for them than for herself
But the mistress returning and bearing the switches, con-
cealed and secretly, has scarcely crossed the threshold of
the house when her scholar, having cast herself at her feet,
exclaimed in a loud but firm voice, with many tears, " Do
not. Mistress, do not beat us with the switches : we will
sing and chant at your pleasure, willingly, as much or as
long as you wish or command. When we gladly carry
22 Records of Romsey Abbey.
out orders, why do you beat us?" The mistress, wondering
beyond measure how her scholar became possessed of her
secret, said, " Rise up my daughter, rise up, and show
me how you know that I have brought any switches."
And she said, " I saw you under the tree whence you
plucked them, and you still hold them under your cloak."
It was found by careful enquiry that what was done by
the mistress could not have been known by the scholar,
save through the Holy Spirit, who works in each one
according to His Will, and that the sight of this (girl)
pierced the thickness of a stone wall, by the power of God,
who caused the eyes of the man born blind to be opened,
so that the blind could miraculously see.
Now the blessed Ethelfleda made a custom of going
every night outside the dormitory, where it seemed to her
that she could most conveniently and secretly immerse
herself naked in the cold water of a fountain or in the bed
of the running stream, and stay in for so long as time
permitted, chanting the Davidic Psalms, many or few,
together with some prayers in addition. It happened once,
that, on account of her good fame, the Queen called the
blessed Ethelfleda to herself and kept her honourably
in her chamber. She unwillingly made some little stay
there, always fearful lest the deceitful pleasure of earthly
vanities, — which she often saw practised around the Queen,
as the manner is, in dress, behaviour, and other things,
which are called by the gay, refinement, but which hinder
from holy religion, — should recall her mind from her holy
purpose. On her first arrival, sitting on a terrace and
looking round, she saw, near the chamber, a spring of fresh
water. To this she went every night without delay, as had
been her custom elsewhere, secretly, when the others in the
chamber were sleeping, by door or by window, as seemed
most convenient, and, having undressed, she chanted and
The Foundation. 23
prayed in the water as long as was possible to her. At
length, having returned, she was found in the morning in
bed like the others, apparently sleeping as though she had
done nothing else through the whole night. One night,
however, when the Queen could not sleep for thinking, she
saw the holy woman go alone and without witness from
the room, and, not knowing her secret, she imagined her to
be going out for immodest purposes at such an hour of the
night, rather than for any other cause. The handmaid of
God went out, and the Queen followed. The one, having
made the sign of the Cross in the water, sprang in, and the
other, perhaps seeing a sign in the heavens, was distracted
with excessive amazement, and returning to the threshold
of the chamber, screamed loudly and fell to the ground.
Those who were by gathered round her in wonder, and
took her into their arms, but she, utterly wanting her
senses, tossed about in their hands, as if frantic. But,
whereas the cause was quite unknown to the others, it was
revealed from heaven to the holy virgin alone ; who,
thinking over the matter silently, immediately prostrated
herself on the ground and mingled tears with her prayer
without ceasing, until the Queen was restored to her former
health, and said constantly, among the other words of her
prayer, " Lord, direct my prayer in Thy sight, and lay not
this sin to her charge, who knows not what she has done."
In course of time, when the blessed Ethelfleda was
renowned for miracles such as this. Saint Merwynna, the
Abbess dear to God, departed this life to Christ, and
Ethelfleda, the handmaid of God, succeeded her in the
office of prelate, although not immediately. By so much
as she was placed above others, so much the more did she
seem to be an example of humility and saintliness. She
delighted especially in exercising works of mercy towards
the poor, of which hear what happened. One of the
24 Records of Romsey Abbey.
bailiffs, to whose keeping the tenements of the church were
committed, who was her household servant, placed in the
coffers of the Abbess, for safe keeping, the whole payment
which he was bound to render in one year for his custody.
The handmaid of God, however, whose care was ever of
the poor, withdrew from the coffers, little by little, and
distributed to the needy all the money committed to her,
and when it became time for the bailiffs to render account
of rents received for the whole year to the steward who
was placed over them, the servant demanded back the
money which he had delivered to the Lady Abbess. But
of the squandered money only one farthing was found.
The bailiff, in anxiety, did not know what to do and the
Abbess was placed in no less difficulty. She blushed to
make public her expenses, and could charge them neither
to her subtlety or extravagance, and much less to the
religion, which, above all things, she desired to hide. What
shall she do? With whom shall she seek refuge? With
Him assuredly, who is the Helper of those in tribulation
and anxiety, in whose service also the whole spending of
the money had been carried out. The Blessed Ethelfleda,
purposing moreover with great earnestness to defend the
innocence of her young servant from infamy, directed her
prayer to the Lord, in whom she had ever placed her whole
hope, with great confidence, and said : " God who hast
created all things out of nothing, and has caused all things
created by Thee wonderfully to obey Thy commands,
multiply on us Thy mercy, Who dost not forsake those
who hope in Thee. I, indeed, have hoped in Thee, and
Thou hast not withheld from my desire. And now, so
direct this matter, that I shall not be confounded ; and, if
not hearkened to by Thee, I shall be put into exceeding
confusion, like to those who begin a building, and, not
having first reckoned the cost, are not able to finish, and so
The Foundation. 25
my enemies will laugh me to scorn. God, who multipliest
the things which we have, and wonderfully restorest the
lost, restore the money spent on the needy to the honour
of Thy Name. For Thou hast said, ' What thou hast done
to one of My little ones, thou hast done to Me.' " What
more? The prayer ended, the coffers, previously empty,
were found full of money, and the bailiff, having been
called, the whole money was restored to him with great
joy. The servant, in despair before, ran, without doubt, to
his reckoning, The holy virgin, indeed, hastily directed
her way to the Church in order to render thanks to the
most high God, who looked on her humility and snatched
her from confusion, and said, " God, Thou filled the cruise
of oil lest it should fail, and multiplied five loaves so that
they sufficed for five thousand men, to this day Thou hast
not forgotten to do marvellous things, but hast restored the
money delivered to me and spent. Blessed be Thy Name,
both now and ever, world without end. Amen."
After these things the Blessed Ethelfleda, renowned for
miracles and full of virtues, departed this life 10 Kal.
November [23rd October], going from the body of this
death to life, from temporal pain to unfading glory. A
great multitude of women buried the pious virgin outside
the sacred oratory, as she herself had directed, for she did
not appoint for herself a tomb in a more conspicuous place,
whom vain glory had never prevailed on to err. As she
had preferred a life of humility under regular discipline,
so, in the time of her dissolution, she chose humble burial
out of doors in the porch (atrio-churchyard). And thus,
Ethelfleda, an uncorruptible and glorious virgin, rested for
some time in the same place in which she was buried, but,
afterwards, miracles having increased, she was translated
into the church with fitting honour [27th January], where
Christ, on account of the merits of his spouse, bestows
26 Records of Romsey Abbey.
immediate benefits on those who ask, "to the praise and
glory of His Name, to whom be honour and dominion,
world without end."
When the illustrious Abbess Merwynna died, Ethelfleda
did not at once take her place, a certain Elwina succeeded
her. This lady, " prostrate before the Altar in prayer,
was counted worthy to hear a voice falling from heaven
(which told) of the coming of the Danes to the Monastery
of Romsey on the next evening. And she, gathering up
the relics and other posssesions, fled with the sisters to
Winchester," and was hospitably received by the Nuns of
Saint Mary's. " So Swanus, the king of the Danes, with
his son Canute, coming to these parts, destroyed what was
left by fire and sword."
The Saxon Chronicle describes how, in 994, after
fruitlessly besieging London, the Danes " wrought the
utmost evil that ever army could do, by burning and
plundering and by man-slaying, both by sea and coast,
and among the East Saxons, and in the land of Kent and
in Sussex and in Hampshire." A description of a similar
raid in the year 1006, found in the same Chronicle, paints
in a graphic way the terror of the times. " And then, in
mid-winter, .... throughout Hampshire, into Berkshire,
and to Reading ; and they did their old wont ; they lighted
war beacons as they went they joined battle and
they soon brought that band to flight, and afterwards
carried their booty to the sea. But there might the Win-
chester men see an army, daring and fearless, as they went
by their gates towards the sea, and fetched themselves food
and treasures over fifty miles." Milner dates Elwina's
flight in 992; the Victorian County History, possibly owing
to the mention of the young Canute, who was born about
994, dates the flight of the nuns during the terrible years
The Foundation. 27
succeeding the massacre of the Danes on Saint Brice's
day, 13th November, 1002; if, however, Elwina succeeded
•n 993> the date would be the raid of 994, Elwina re-
mained Abbess for only three years, and the Holy Virgin
Elfleda, beloved of the sisters, was elected in her place ;
she lived many years, and died in a good old age on
the 23rd October. In the quaint words of an old MS. :
"After that she had by long well-doing freighted and
replenished herself with virtuous treasure and celestial
riches withall, she sayled safely out of this world and
happily arrived at the Heavenly porte."
In the Romsey Psalter there are three dates in the
Calendar relating to the Saint. Her feast, entered in red
letters, on the 23rd October, her translation on the 27th
January, and the Revelacio on the loth March.
A Collect is added at the end of Capgrave's life : —
"(O) gloriosa virgo sponsaque dei Elfleda, pro nobis dominum
regem celorum supplicamus rogita. Ora pro nobis."
" Deus, qui presentem diem nobis honorabilem in beate Elflede
deposicione fecisti, illius meritis optinentibus salva nos per indul-
genciam, qui nos dignatus es salvare per graciam per. ....
In a Benedictional of the eleventh century, once
belonging to Romsey Abbey, and now amongst the Add.
MSS. in the B.M. (No. 28,188), her name occurs both in the
greater and lesser Litany " Sea .^gelflaed or." Her feast
continued to be observed in Romsey, and a fair was held,
and at some time unknown her name was coupled with
that of the Blessed Virgin in the dedication of the
Abbey. Her name is found with Merwynna's, the former
fourteenth and the latter ninth, in a list of illustrious
women, who, by their interest or gifts, commended them-
selves to the prayers of the Monastery of Hyde, Winchester.
In the book in which this list is found, the Register and
Martyrology of Hyde, a very precious piece of information
28
Records of Romsey Abbey.
is preserved about Romsey, at a time when notiiing is
known about the Abbey. The names of two abbesses are
enrolled and those of fifty-two sisters.
NOMINA SORORUM HRUMENSIS CgNOBII.
i. |?ulfynn abbatissa illius sancti coenobii .
ii. .^Ifgyfu abbatissa .
iii. ^Iflaed .
iiii. iElfgyfu .
V. pulflsed .
vi. .^Ifgyfu .
vii. iElfhild .
viii. .iElflaed .
ix. EadgyS .
X. ^Iflsed .
xi. JE\>e\{l3id .
xii. Byrhflsed .
xiii. .^Iflaed .
xiiii. Eadgyfu .
XV. .^Ifgyfu .
xvi. Eadgyfu .
xvii. Byrhtgyfu .
xviii. .iEJ>elgyfu .
xix. yElfgyfu .
XX. iElfhild .
xxi. JE\G\yyn .
xxii. iElfgyfu .
xxiii. .^Iflaed .
xxiiii. Ase .
XXV. Eadgyfu .
xxvi. Pulflaed .
xxvii. Pulfrun .
xxix. Hildeburh .
XXX. Osparu .
xxxi. jElfgyS .
xxxii. PulfJ»ryiS .
xxxiii. .^Ifleof .
xxxiiii. EadgyS .
XXXV. .^Ifgyfu .
xxxvi. .(EiSelhild .
xxxvii. pulfjry^ .
xxxviii. pulfspryS .
xxxix. .iEJ»elgyfu .
xl. pilspyiS .
xli. iElflsed .
xlii. Leofsydu .
xliii. ^lfgy« .
xliiii. .(Elfgyfu .
xlv. Eadgy]? .
xlvi. Pyngifu .
xlvii. pulfrun .
xlviii. Godgyfu .
xlix. ^Jjelgyfu .
I. pulflsed .
li. Byrhflasd .
Hi. .^Ifrun .
Iiii. ^Ifj7ry« ,
liiii. Eadgyfu .
xxviii. EadgyS .
This list was inserted when the Register was drawn up
(1016-25) and therefore there can be little doubt that
The Foundation. 29
these Abbesses succeeded Abbess ^Ethaelfleda, and the
succession of Romsey rulers is carried on to the close of
the first quarter of the eleventh century.
This list of the Sisters of Romsey in the Register and
Martyrology of New Minster and Hyde Abbey, following,
as it does, similar lists of Abingdon and Ely Monks,
makes it probable that Romsey was united by an agree-
ment of spiritual confraternity with Hyde Abbey. There is
certain evidence that it was so united with Saint Swithun's,
Winchester. In a chartulary of that house (B.M., Add.
MSS., 29436, ff 446, b 45), Romsey, Wherwell, Abingdon,
Chertsey, Tewkesbury, and many other places, are described
as having entered into compact with Saint Swithun's. It
is also certain that Romsey was united with Durham in
similar bonds of confraternity in the fifteenth century, and
no doubt with many other places from early days, as this
custom, beginning amongst the religious houses in the
eighth century, extended to the sixteenth.
An Anglo-Saxon agreement between certain bishops
and abbots, enumerating the terms of a fellowship in early
days, declares that each member when he celebrated Mass
" shall separately commemorate with three collects his
fellow-brotherhood, and orders a separate Mass to be said
for the associates." Another agreement mentions " prayers
and good deeds." Mr. de Gray Birch speaks of " the mem-
bers of one house entering into a binding agreement with
those of the other to share its joys and fears, to lean
mutually upon each other for moral and spiritual support,
and to benefit by the ghostly exercises and worldly experi-
ences of their fellow-labourers in the field of Christ."
Whilst these unions for mutual prayer and service had
in view the welfare of the living, they did not exclude but
rather expressly included the departed. Some agreements
indeed refer only to the departed, and possibly these were
30 Records of Romsey Abbey.
the more numerous. The chief known agreements with
Romsey are of this nature, and consisted of offices and
masses for the dead.
An elaborate system grew up, whereby a messenger was
despatched from a monastery once a year, bearing a Roll
inscribed with the names of the deceased members. He
went the round of the houses in confraternity, who wel-
comed him, and treated him as one of their own members,
The roll was taken to the scriptorium, and the acknowledg-
ment of its reception was inscribed, and an assurance given
that the services would be duly performed. Then the
messenger, called " breviger," " rotularius," or "rollifer," was
speeded on his way to the next house, and he passed from
place to place, sometimes crossing the sea before he might
return to the monastery which sent him. Some of these
rolls contain an immense number of names of monasteries.
A Durham Roll, sent to Romsey in the fifteenth century,
was thirteen yards long, nine inches broad, and was made
up of nineteen sheets of parchment ; it contained an illus-
tration of the death and burial of one of the Priors of
Durham, three feet in length. Another Roll, or "Titulus"
as it was called, of the Nunnery of Lillechurch at Higham
in Kent, went the round of 360 religious houses.
ROMSEY ENTRIES ON THE DURHAM ROLLS.
No. 330. — Titulus Monasterii Beatas Mariae de Romesey, Ordinis
St. Ben : Wynton Dioc :
Anima domini Wilhelmi Ebchestre^ et anima domini Johannis
Bumbury,2 et animse omnium fidelium defunctorum, per miserecor-
diam Dei in pace requiescant.
Vestris nostra damns, pro nostris
Vestra rogamus.
[The entry was made after Mottisfont and before S. Swithun's,
Winchester. Fair legible hand.]
1 Resigned 1456. 2 ® 17 Oct. 1464.
The Foundation. 31
No. ^^(y.— Romeseye, Eccles : St. Marise et St. Ethelffledse.
[For Bp. Walter Skirlaw. ® 1416. The entry was made after
Lettele [i.e. Netley] and Southampton and before Motisfonte and
Werewell. Superior hand.]
No. 338. — Romesey, Men. St. Mariae et St. Ethelfledse virg : — Ben :
Wynt : Dioc :
[For Prior John Hemmingburgh. ® 1416. The entry was made
after S. Denys, Southampton, and before Lettele. Superior hand.]
No. 236. — Romesey, Eccl : Beatae Mariae Virg : et Monalium, Ord :
St. Bened :
[For Prior Robert Ebchester. © 1484. Superior hand.]
From the order of the places and names it appears that
the messenger of Roll i, came by Mottisfont and went on
to Winchester ; he of Roll 2, came vid Netley and South-
ampton and went on to Mottisfont and Wherwell ; Roll 3,
was brought from S. Denis, Southampton, and carried from
Romsey to Netley. The Romsey entry in the first Roll
is described as in a fair legible hand, the other three Rolls
have Romsey entries in a superior hand ; and it may be
assumed therefore that the Abbey possessed both at the
beginning and close of the fifteenth century an excellent
scribe.
32 Records of Romsey Abbey.
REFERENCES.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.
William of Malmesbury, Gesta Pont.
E. W. Robertson, Historical Essays.
Liber de Hyda, p. 112. Fourteenth century compilation.
Hyde Register, or Liber Vitse. Walter de Gray Birch. Eleventh
century.
Victorian County History. — Hants.
Horstmann, Nova Legenda ; Lives of Women Saints.
Stanton, Menology.
The Guardian. 3rd July, igoi.
Leiand, Quotation from Osbert of Clare.
De Gray Birch, Charters, and Fasti Saxon Abbotts.
Gaimar, Historical Poem.
Rad. de Diceto, Vol. I, p. 141 ; Vol. II, p. 211. Twelfth century.
Ric. de Hoveden, Vol. i, p. 62. Twefth century.
Durham Rolls.
MSS.
The Romsey Psalter and Calendar. Circa a.d. 1440.
B. M. Lansdowne, No. 436, f. 43 b-4S b. Fourteenth century.
Cotton, Tib. E. I, John of Tynmouth's Sanctilogium.
Cotton, Otho, D. IX, Capgrave. Before 1464. Printed by W. de
Worde, 1516.
Robert Buckland's MSS. Quoted by Wilson, 1608 and 1640. B. M.
Press Mark, 1125, a. 13 and 14,
Romsey Benedictional, B. M. Add. 28,188.
Cotton, Vit. E. XVIII. Circa a.d. 1031. Eleventh century.
,, ,, A. II. Twelfth century.
Titus D. XXVII. 1034-1357.
Reg. 2 A. XIII, fol. 42. 1220-1224.
Corpus Christi, Cambridge, MS. No. 201 ; and see Hicks' Epistles,
Vol. III.
Bishop's English Saints. 5 vols, of collections. Add 36, S98-36, 602.
Edington Chartulary, B. M. Lansdowne, 442.
CHAPTER III.
A.D. 1025 1 1 18.
THE SAXON PRINCESSES.
' ' The Letters of Queen Matilda to Archbishop
Anselm, and her charitable deeds, throw light
on the Latinity of the Romsey pupil, and on
the tastes she had imbibed there, "
L. ECKENSTEIN, Women under Monasticism.
Chapter III.
THE SAXON PRINCESSES.
"PEW facts have come to light to indicate the condition
of the Monastery during the first three-quarters of
the eleventh century. The nuns, according to the story
of Abbess Elwina's flight, related in the last chapter, had
been driven out by the marauding Danes. This event
occurred either at the close of the tenth or the beginning
of the eleventh century. The sisters, no doubt, returned
at the earliest possible date and certainly before Cnut
ascended the throne in 1017, for Queen Emma, in 1012,
when she was still the wife of Ethelred the Unready, gave
lands to Romsey. The charter is printed in Kembk's
Collection, and the words are as follows: "This year (1012)
iElfgyfu {i.e., Elgiva or Emma) gave or bequeathed th^s
landaes set Hwaetsedunae into Rummaesigae Christe and
Sanctan Marian." Not only was a return made to Romsey,
but by 1016-1025 there was an exceedingly flourishing
society in the Convent, consisting of fifty-four nuns. This
is proved by the list of their names in the Hyde Register,
printed in the preceding chapter.
The Convent may be supposed to have continued in
safety for the next forty years and more, since Edward the
Confessor (1042-66) made a gift to it of Northuenda, and
William the Conqueror confirmed the ancient rights of the
Abbey, to which reference is made in a Charter of Henry I :
36 Records of Romsey Abbey.
"I command," says King Henry, "that all the land of the
Abbey of Romsey within the bridge of Bradebridge
(Broadbridge) may be as quit as her demesne court from
all things, and namely from murder, which is demanded in
it from the Hundred of Sumburna, as ever it was better quit
in the time of William the King, my father, and of my
brother, and in my time." This confirmation means that
the Abbess had, from early times, a jurisdiction apart from
the Hundred Court of King's Somborne, and was privileged
to try criminals within her own domain. Another reference
to the Conqueror or William Rufus is found in a confirma-
tion of Charters by Henry H : he grants that " the land de
la Wycke, which William de Falesia gave to Romsey with
his daughter, may be held by the Abbey as freely as it has
all its other land, and as it was more quit in the time of
King William and in the time of King Henry, my grand-
father, and as the Charter of King William testifies."
That the convent, besides carrying on its manorial
privileges fully and freely during the eleventh century, was
not unmindful of its adornment, may be gathered from two
interesting works of sculpture, which have happily survived
the wear of time and the destructive fanaticism of image
breakers. The remarkable rood, which is now placed in
the apse of the south choir aisle, is of Saxon work, and is
thought to belong to about the year 1030. It is of
Byzantine character, the figure having straight unbent
limbs, in addition to the usual attendant figures of the
Blessed Virgin and S. John, there are two soldiers standing
beneath the Cross, the one having a spear and the other
presenting the sponge full of vinegar to the Crucified. In
1742, this rood is described as : " by itself, behind the
communion table, on the south wall."
The other work of early sculpture is to be found built
into the west wall of the south transept and placed close
The Saxon Princesses. 37
to the great entrance from the Cloisters. It depicts the
single figure of the Saviour crucified, with the Dextera Dei
above. The figure is not quite life-size, and is of the
Byzantine pattern, with unbent limbs ; the work is of
Norman character, and therefore probably belongs to the
latter part of the eleventh century. Amongst Mr. Carter's
original sketches, now in the MS. Department of the British
Museum, there is a representation of this Crucifix slightly
coloured. This sketch was made in 1781, and then, as now,
part of the right arm was injured. At that time this part
of the Churchyard was walled off for a small private
burying ground for poor strangers. There is a tradition
in Romsey that at one time this corner was let by the
Churchwardens to a general dealer, who erected a shed
here which covered the rood and may have aided in its
preservation. Near the rood is a small cupboard cut out of
the stone wall of the transept, with a chimney and aperture
of three holes, showing that it was used for a light to be
kept continually burning. Many ladies, and some of noble
blood, have, in days gone by, bent the knee to their
" Supreme Lord " when passing this representation of His
Passion on their way to the Church for the Daily Offices.
What history the stones around could tell if they had but
voices to describe the events which they have witnessed !
The first of these roods adorned the ancient Saxon
church, but what that church was like it is difficult to
say. Probably when Edgar re-founded the Monastery in
966-7 a stone church was built. This conjecture leads on
to another made by a discovery in 1900, when parts of the
tower and nave floors were taken up for repairs. Mr. Peers
describes how a great deal of broken building material was
found along the line of both nave arcades of the present
church. These fragments do not stand alone as indica-
tions of an earlier church ; the taking up of the floor also
38 Records of Romsey Abbey.
revealed the existence of a fine apse. The foundations
of this apse are of a very substantial character, the
wall being 4ft. gin. thick. This apse is as wide as the
present tower and stands just beneath it. The masonry is
said to have " the look of Norman work." Mr. Peers, when
examining these fragments, noted that two bays of the
south nave aisle are built of masonry of an earlier character
than that of the present church, and he suggested that
these bays, together with the apse, belong to about the
year 1090, when some distinguished members of the old
Saxon royal family were resident as inmates of the
Convent, and brought, as it is likely, some wealth with
them. If the apse is of Norman work it would have been
built to take the place of the earlier Saxon square end,
either in 1090 or some years earlier. That alterations took
place in the arrangement of the Saxon church about 1090
may be inferred from the two early Norman bays
mentioned above. The church, before this date, was either
Edgar's church as it was first built, or as it was restored
after the Danish raid (994-1006). It would have consisted
of a plain cruciform church of the Dover Or Repton type.
Then, with the accession of wealth, the Norman apse was
erected in 1090, and the walls of the nave were pierced
and aisles added, which would account for the quantity of
building material still to be found along the line of the
present nave arches.^
This restored church continued until the present great
church was built around it about 11 20, the two bays in the
south nave aisle being the only fragments of any account
that have survived above ground. Their survival may be
due to the fact that the cloisters abutted on them, and that
it was found more convenient to incorporate these into the
new church than to pull them down.
1 These conjectures are, of course, uncertain, but the ancient apse may still
be seen by lifting a trap door under the present tower.
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The Saxon Princesses. 39
In the year 1086, a date made notable by the com-
pletion of Domesday, Christina, the daughter of Edmund
Ironside, and sister of Edgar Atheling, and of S. Margaret,
Queen of Scotland, took the veil at Romsey. Her lands
are found in Domesday ; one estate in Warwickshire had
been held by Earl Eadwine ; of another it is said distinctly
" Rex dedit Christinae." This lady has been spoken of by
some writers as Abbess of Romsey, but there is no evidence
whatever to prove the fact, though her royal descent would
make it likely.
Her presence at Romsey opens an interesting chapter
in the Abbey history. The two daughters of Malcolm
Canmore and the saintly Margaret, the King and Queen of
Scotland, Eadgyth (Matilda) and Mary, were sent to their
aunt Christina at Romsey to be educated. Eadgyth was
born in 1080, her God-father being Earl Robert, who is
known to have been in Scotland in the autumn of that
year. At what date the young princesses came under the
care of their aunt is unknown, but there is little doubt that
they were with her in 1093, when Eadgyth would have
been about twelve years old. Christina seems to have
been severe with .the young princesses, and to have used
blows if she thought the occasion required it. In a
reminiscence of her young days, Eadgyth recalls how, for
an act of disobedience, her aunt was accustomed to hurt
and disgrace her by sharp blows and detestable taunts.
But the education received by these young girls was of a
high order, as will appear on a subsequent page. The
particular cause, which called down this severe chastise-
ment, was the young princess' refusal to wear a nun's veil,
which Christina insisted on placing upon her head as a
protection against the rough license of the times.
There is an astounding story of William Rufus, which
gives point to Christina's anxiety for her niece. The story
as related by Mr. Freeman is as follows : — " When Matilda
40 Records of Romsey Abbey.
was a little more than twelve years old, the Abbess hears
that King William has come to see the princess. In the
case of any decent King such a visit would surely have
been neither scandalous nor wonderful. The King is at
the Abbey gate with his knights, and asks to have it
opened. The Abbess fears that he may conceive some
bad purpose towards the maiden, but hopes that he will
respect her if she wears the monastic veil. She therefore
persuades Eadgyth to veil for the time. Then, welcoming
the King, she invites him to visit her garden and see her
roses. The King goes into the cloisters as if to look at
the flowers. He sees Eadgyth with the veil, and goes
away, showing, according to the Abbess, that his visit had
been on her account alone."
The story of the Abbess' anxiety and suspicions, her
clever tact, and the evident pleasure she evinces over her
success is delightful, if the tale be true ; but the author
Hermann, though he says he had it from Anselm himself,
was a foreigner, and wrote long after the event. " It may
be," says Mr. Freeman, " that the Abbess did not know
the secrets of the Red King's Court, and reckoned him
among ordinary instead of extraordinary sinners. This
is, as far as I know, the only time in history or legend in
which William Rufus is brought into connexion with any
woman. Such a tale must be taken for what it is worth,
but the picture of William Rufus contemplating either
maidens or roses at least puts him in a light in which we
do not meet him elsewhere."
William is known to have been at Winchester in this
year, 1093 ; and the princess' father, King Malcolm, visited
Gloucester on 24th August of the same year, and very
possibly visited his daughter at Romsey, for both Hermann
and a much more trustworthy writer, Eadmer, say that,
" seeing her with the veil, he tears it from her head, and
=e |j. 37. I
The Saxon Princesses. 41
says that he does not mean her to be a nun, but to be the
wife of Count Alan," i.e.. Count Alan the Black, second
Lord of Richmond. The King of Scotland died in the
following winter, 13th November, and his saintly Queen a
fortnight after, 27th November, and their children were
now driven out of the country by the Scottish people.
The young princesses, who had probably accompanied
their father home on his return from Gloucester, now, with
the help of Edgar Atheling, came back to the south to
Winchester, or Romsey.
"The story of the Veil," is not however finished ; another,
and with all his faults, a better man, sought Eadgyth in
marriage. The brother of Rufus, the clerkly Henry, was
crowned in iioo. He had been the Princess' lover for
some time, and his affection was reciprocated, according to
the best accounts, and policy went hand in hand with
affection. It was no slight advantage if the old Saxon
stock could be united with the new Norman house, making
one royal family. But there was the difficulty of " the
veil." In Archbishop Anselm's words, " If she were a nun
she could not marry, if not, she was free.'' The matter
was hotly debated, and Anselm called a council.
In the words of Mr. Freeman, —
"The Archbishop called together at Lambeth, the manor of
his friend the Bishop of Rochester, an assembly of bishops,
abbotts, nobles, and religious men, before whom he laid the
matter, and the evidence bearing on it. There was the evidence
of the maiden herself, there was the evidence of two Archdeacons,
William of Canterbury and Humbald of Salisbury, whom Anselm
had sent to the Monastery, and who, after enquiries among the
sisters, reported that there was no ground to think that Eadgyth
had ever been a veiled nun. The Archbishop then left the
assembly, and the rest, who are spoken of as the Church of
England gathered into one place, debated the question in his
42 Records of Romsey Abbey.
absence. Much stress was laid on the case of those women who,
in the first days of the conquest, had sought shelter in the cloister
from shame and violence, and who had not taken religion (/.e.,
religious vows) upon themselves. The late Archbishop (Lanfranc)
had declared them free to marry, and the judgment of the
assembly was that the same rule applied to the case of the
daughter of Malcolm. Anselm came back, and the debate and
the decision were reported to him. He declared that he assented
to the judgment, strengthened as it was by the great authority of
Lanfranc. Then Eadgyth herself was brought in, and heard with
a pleased countenance all that had passed. She then offered to
confirm all that she had said by any form of oath that might be
thought good. She did not fear that anyone would disbelieve
her, but she wished that no occasion should be left to blaspheme.
Anselm told her that no oath was needed, if any man out of the
evil treasure of his heart should bring forth evil things, he would
not be able to withstand the amount and strength of the evidence
by which her cause was proved. He gave her his blessing, and
she went forth, as we may say, Lady-elect of the English."
Eadgyth, better known as Matilda, wras married on the
Feast of S. Martin, the nth November, iioo, and was
crowned at Westminster amidst great popular acclamations.
The little pupil of Romsey became Queen of the English
for nearly eighteen years, dying ist May, 1118. Her
training had fostered all those good qualities which it is
natural to suppose she inherited from her mother, and
gave her also an intellectual education of a high order.
Mr. Freeman speaks of " her display of scriptural and
classical learning " and of " her being mistress of an
amount of learning which must have equalled or exceeded
that of the King himself" Six of her letters, in Latin,
with quotations from Scripture and from classical authors,
to the Archbishop, are extant, and may still be read. They
exhibit her great love for the saintly Anselm and her
earnest desire to bring about agreement between him and
the King.
The Saxon Princesses. 43
The first letter, written before his exile, contains the
Queen's earnest exhortation that he would relax his long
fastings. She admits that many of the philosophers by
their example invite to a sparing use of food : " Nemo est
enim qui ignorat vos legisse Pythagorae, Socratis, Antis-
thenis frugalitatem, caeterorumque philosophorum, quos
ut enumerare longum est, ita nee praesenti opusculo
necessarium." She then turns his thoughts to the grace
of the New Law, and declares that Christ Jesus, who
consecrated fasting, consecrated also eating, going to the
marriage feast, where he turned the water into wine, and
to Simon's feast, and to the dinner offered him by Zaccheus.
She further enforces her exhortation by reminding him
of St. Paul's exhortation to Timothy : " Audi Pater, audi
Paulum, Timouthem propter dolorem stomachi vinum
bibere suadentem, dicentemque : ' Jam noli aquam bibere,
sed modico vino utere.' "
Of another letter. Miss L. Eckenstein says : — " The
Queen both read and admired Anselm's writings, and
compares his style to that of Cicero, Quintilian, Jerome,
Gregory, and others, with whom her reading at Romsey
may have made her acquainted." Another letter shows
the true affection of the Queen for the great and noble
Archbishop, and though in these days the expressions
would appear exaggerated they reveal a sincere devotion
on the Queen's part. The letter from which the following
extract is made was translated by Mrs. Everett Green in
her Letters of Royal Ladies : —
" To her piously remembered father and worthily reverenced
lord, Anselm the Archbishop, Matilda, by the grace of God
Queen of England, the least of the handmaidens of his holiness,
wishes perpetual health in Christ.
"I give unnumbered thanks to your unceasing goodness,
which, not unmindful of me, has condescended, by your letters
44 Records of Romsey Abbey.
presented to me, to show forth your raind though absent. The
clouds of sadness in which I was wrapped being expelled, the
streamlet of your words has glided through me like a ray of new
light.
" I embrace the little parchment sent to me by you as I would
my father himself. I cherish it in my bosom : I place it as near
my heart as I can. I read over and over again the words flowing
from the sweet fountain of your goodness. My heart broods over
them, and I hide the pondered treasures in the very secret place
of my heart."
Many benefited by Matilda's liberality, and if there was
a touch of vanity and extravagance, these do not destroy
her real goodness of character. " Her brother David, not
an undevout prince, went so near to a scoff as to ask his
sister whether King Henry would care to kiss the lips
which had kissed the ulcers of the lepers." An extravagant
act possibly on her part, but extravagant goodness has a
necessary place in an age of rough manners and coarse
life. She did much for the country in building bridges — a
benefit of great public importance in those days. Together
with the King she showed great interest in the monasteries,
an interest returned with gratitude on their part. St.
Alban's was restored in iiiS, and a portrait of the Queen
is found in the celebrated Golden book of that Abbey.
She founded the Leper Hospital of St. Giles in the East in
iioi. Abingdon Abbey provided her with a retreat during
her confinement, where she received the care of a celebrated
leech, Abbott Faricius.
Nor was Romsey neglected. The King was here in
1 105, and again in 11 10 or 11 14, "the year in which his
daughter was given to the Emperor." There are seven
charters of Henry I to the Abbey. The first runs as
follows : —
" I have granted to God and the Blessed Mary of Romsey and
Matilda the Queen, my wife, one fair by the year, that is to say, on
The Saxon Princesses. 45
the Festival of S. Athelfleda the Virgin, which fair shall last four days,
and begin the 1 5th day after the Feast of S. Denis, and I grant to her
sac and soc and toll and team, and infangenethef with all her other
customs, and I grant them to have my firm peace in going and
returning from the fair. And besides this I grant to her fully a
market every Sunday, with the aforesaid customs. Witness, Robert
Earl of Mellent, and Eustace the Earl, and Urso de Abetot at
Wyncestra."
By the second deed Stephen, son of Arard, is permitted
to put 20J. worth of land with his daughter into the Abbey,
and he gives a fourth part of the mill at Todyntona
(Totton, near Redbridge) and one virgate of land of Rige
{i.e., Ridge) and two parts of the tithe of Wycebia. Witness,
Wald' the Chancellor and Eudo Dapifer and Geoffrey the
Chamberlain at Lutegarshale. Another charter commands
Roger Bishop of Salisbury, Walter Hosato and all the
barons of.Wilteschir to see to the peaceable possession by
the Abbess of the lands and mills which Ernulp Desthuite
gave with his daughter. This probably refers to Wiltshire
property. Of another Wiltshire property, once held of
Romsey Abbey by William Escuet, it is ordered henceforth
to be held in demesne by the Convent, the said William
having relinquished it on placing his daughters in the
Abbey. The last of this series of charters, one giving the
Convent the right to plough their lands, is interesting
because the Queen herself witnessed it ; the other witness
being Humphrey de Bohun. It was attested at Winchester.
Some of the witnesses to these charters occur in Abingdon
Charters about 1105 and mo; it is therefore probable
that these also were granted in the early years of King
Henry's reign.
Though the records are scanty, it may certainly be
gathered that Romsey Monastery flourished at this period.
It possessed wide lands and received additions to its
wealth, it enjoyed the favour of kings and welcomed royal
46 Records of Romsey Abbey.
personages within its walls, it was a home of learning and
of good deeds, a fitting place for the education of the
young, after a high standard. Nor were the improvements
of the buildings nor the management of its business affairs
neglected. The eleventh, with the early years of the
twelfth century, saw the golden age of the monasteries,
and Romsey shared the privileges and fulfilled the duties
belonging to the time.
The Queen, Matilda the Good, died on the ist of May,
1 1 18, and an extract from Henry of Huntingdon, eulogising
her character, may fittingly bring this chapter to a close : —
Tunc quoque Matildis luce caruit de cujus facetia et morum pras-
rogativa dictum est : —
' ' Prospera non Isetam fecere, nee aspera tristem,
Aspera risus ei, prospera terror erant.
Nou decor effecit fragilera, non sceptra superbam
Sola patens humilis, sola pudica decens.
Mali prima dies, nostrarum nocte dierum
Raptam, perpetua fecit inesse die."
REFERENCES.
Kemble's Codex, Vol. Ill, p. 359.
Liber Vitae of Hyde Abbey. Walter de Gray Birch.
Royal Charter at Broadlands, and see Charter Roll, 1 1-13, Ric. 11,
No. 2, for Inspeximus of Early Charters.
Victorian County History — Hants, Vol. II. Early Christian Art. J.
Romilly Allen.
B. M. Carter MS.
Discoveries in Ronisey Abbey. C. R. Peers, Soc. of Antiq., 1901.
History of the Norman Conquest, and William Rufus. E. A. Freeman.
Letters of Royal Ladies. Mrs. Everett Wood (Green).
Chronicles of Abingdon Abbey, Vol. II. [Rolls Series.]
Women under Monasticism. Lina Eckenstein.
CHAPTER IV.
A.D. II18 — 1219.
PRINCESS MARY OF BLOIS.
' ' Lest the impetuous presumption of the
fraudulent king {i.e. Henry II) should inflict
violent injury upon you." — Princess Mary's
Letter to Louis VII of France, A.D. 1168.
Chapter IV.
PRINCESS MARY OF BLOIS.
'T'HE great Abbey Church, which has survived from
Norman times down to the present day, attracts all
lovers of ecclesiastical architecture. This attractive charac-
ter of the Church is enhanced by the mystery which hangs
about its origin. A visitor, who is moved to admiration
by the massive grandeur and perfect proportion of the
building, asks how it came to be erected, and who found
the money for providing the sisters with so costly a
sanctuary. No very clear answer can be given. There are
no surviving fabric rolls, and even the register of the Abbey
deeds, which might have afforded some information, is lost
or destroyed.
It is generally said nowadays that the work was begun
at the east end circa 1120, and that this new work was
built round the older church whilst the latter was still
standing. Perhaps King Henry I initiated the building
of this great Church. He and the good Queen Maud
had been great benefactors of monasteries during her life-
time. What would be more natural than that he should,
on her death, promote the building of a new and magnifi-
cent church for the convent in which his Queen had been
educated ? The Queen had died in 1 1 18, and she may have
expressed some wish about the matter, and Henry may
have found a pleasure in promoting this desire after her
death.
so Records of Romsey Abbey.
The curiously carved capital on the north side of the
south choir aisle depicts several figures, one that of a king
holding what looks like a church, another with a chevron
on which is carved several words. This inscription, how-
ever, seems only to refer to the architect or mason, and is
as follows : — " Robert me fecit." Another chevron is in
scribed with the words : — " Robert tute consule ^ d.s."
The carving on the corresponding capital in the north
aisle is equally curious and enigmatical. Here are two
kings engaged in a bloody warfare, and restrained from
further slaughter by the interposition of angels. These
capitals afford a delightful subject for speculation on the
part of the curious-minded, but it is difficult to find
any satisfactory solution. If they were carved as soon as
this part of the Church was completed the King represented
in the south choir aisle might be Henry I, but it must
be borne in mind that the carving may be later than the
capital. Mr. E. Loftus Brock, in the Builder for 5th
October, 1895, says: —
"There is a good deal of early carving on the caps of the
eastern portions which deserves careful attention from the fact that
it contrasts with much that has been executed at a little later
period. The stonework was in fact gone over again by a later
carver, and much that had been left in the form of plain cushion
capitals was transformed into carving. Of this work are the
capitals with the name ' Robert.' "
The building of this great Church must have occupied
some considerable space of time. The western wall of the
south transept is a little later than the general work in
the eastern part of the building, the delay being caused by
the older conventual buildings which could not at first be
displaced. It is thought also that a pause, and this time a
longer one, was made at the west of the crossing beyond the
great tower, and that the round pillars in the nave indicate
:VV \\
n^
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' II:
•S-
■'J ■/:'■')
4rr ''rrsL,:^'-^-'-^^
■AK\IM;s ciN N'dKMAN lAPlTAI
Soulh Lilid Ni.rlli Chnir Aisles.
Bnjadlnrids l_\jlkrt;"n.
'Jo face p.
Princess Mary of Blois. 51
a fresh start in building operations. These pillars have been
compared with work in Christ Church, Oxford, which was
carried out during the years 1 160 to 11 80, at which latter
date the Cathedral was consecrated.
It may be that the advent of King Stephen's daughter
— the Princess Mary, circa 1 1 5 5 — brought the means, and
gave a fresh impetus to building operations. In any case
the erection of the pure Norman work covered a good
many years, before the transitional work of the nave
clerestory was entered upon. This transitional work from
Norman to Early English was carried out during the
Abbacy of Juliana (1171-1199), the date usually given for
it being circa 1 1 80. This work is to be found chiefly in the
clerestory of the four eastern bays of the nave, but " the
westernmost of these bays also indicates in the triforium,
by an increase of mouldings, the limit of the Norman work
and the beginning of the Transitional." It has been
remarked of the first bay of the clerestory next the tower,
on the south side, that " it has a pointed arch enriched with
the chevron," which is the only one so ornamented, " as if
the architect, in abandoning the ancient forms, was anxious
to preserve some of the characteristic features to which he
had been accustomed." The further development of the
great Church in the Early Pointed or Early English style
will be referred to in the next chapter.
The Abbess or Abbesses who presided over the convent
during the earlier years, when the new buildings began to
rise above ground, are unknown. If Christina {circa 1090)
was not Abbess at the close of the eleventh century, there
is a gap in the list of Abbesses for a period of about 100
years. A certain Hadewisa is spoken of in 11 30 as then
Abbess. The reference occurs in a grant of a corrody, or
allowance in food or money, to the monastic house of
S. Denys, Southampton. The original deed is preserved
52 Records of Romsey Abbey.
in the Public Record Office, and has a seal attached, of
which an illustration is given. " The seal " is described as
" of red wax, about 2 in. in length and i J in. in breadth, and
represents a female standing in the habit of a nun. In
her right hand she holds a long staff, and in her left a book
which she clasps to her breast." This figure may represent
the patron, S. ^thelfleda. The inscription is simply
" Sigil. S. Marie Eomes." In this grant Hadewisa speaks
of the Canons of S. Denys as " fratribus nostris et benefi-
ciorum nostrorum participibus," and grants one full portion
of food and drink such as was provided for a sister. In
return the brethren were to pray for the welfare of the
living and the repose of the dead in Christ. The
names of two witnesses are attached — Berengarius and
Rodbertus.
Another grant of this lady, hitherto overlooked, is found
in the Edington Register, and relates to the Abbey's
property in Wiltshire. The Abbess and Convent concede
to Herlewin a hide of land with pasture formerly inclosed
by Alricius next the monastery of Bradley. Part lay in
Essetona {i.e. Steeple Ashton) and part in Ethenduna
{i.e. Edington). He is also permitted to rent a further
piece of land at ten shillings, and for pannage of hogs to pay
a hog or sixteen pence. The list of witnesses is the most
interesting part of the document, as amongst them have
survived the names of certain Romsey clergy of this early
date : " Four presbyters, Robert, John, Roger, Edmund,
Gilbert the deacon, Peter, scriptor of S. Albans, Henry
clericus, Richard and William Sermonicatores, Roger
Palmer, Ralf Dispensator, Edwin de Essefalde, Edwin
cocus (Cook), William-Armiger of Berengarius, Wlpardus-
Armiger of Herlewyn, and clericuli (Clergy in Minor
Orders) of Rumesy, Philip, Walter, Osbert, and the other
Osbert, Nicholas.''
'"nm-:nt si;ai„ a.\,. 1130.
lS, -ttliL-IHivila. t
Princess Mary of Blois. 53
During the next twenty-five years (1130-1155) the
dearth of information continues. A Matilda succeeded
Hadewisa, but from what families these ladies came it is
impossible to say, the early Abbesses being seldom, if ever,
distinguished by the addition of a surname. The grants of
the King are the only sources of information, and they tell
next to nothing. King Stephen confirmed to the Abbey
its Wiltshire property, and the charter makes mention of
Wernesdon, i.e. Wherwellsdon, the name of a Hundred near
Devizes. This Hundred is overlooked by the white horse
cut in the turf of Westbury down. It included the manors
of Edington, Steeple Ashton, and others which the convent
possessed by the gift of King Edgar. The Abbess of
Romsey was Lady of the whole Hundred, and exercised
large powers over the population as well as over the pro-
perty. The name comes, it is said, from Hdr-welles-dfin,
implying that the Lord of the Hundred held his court by
a hoar or ancient well-on-a-down.
Henry H gave no less than fourteen Charters to
Romsey, but they are all undated, and the witnesses afford
little help in ascertaining the exact occasion on which they
were given ; most of them, however, would seem to belong
to the early part of the reign. Besides confirmations of the
Wiltshire property there occurs amongst these deeds a
reference, and for the first time, to a Gloucestershire pro-
perty called Hunlaneseta, now Hunlacy. It had belonged
to the Abbey, so runs the Charter, in the time of Henry I.
There is no mention of it in Domesday as part of the
Abbey's lands, and it may have come into the convent's
possession with the advent of a sister, as was the case with
a property mentioned in Henry I's Charter, referred to in
the last chapter. Hunlacy lies due east of Cirencester, and
can be identified by the church of Cotes, of which the
Abbey held the advowson.
54 Records of Romsey Abbey.
In another Charter King Henry II confirms to the
Abbey " that hide of land de la Wycke which William de
Falesia gave to it with his daughter." The wording of the
document seems to imply that this land came to the convent
in the time of King William. In Domesday William de
Falesia appears as holding half a hide of land, of the King,
in Stannings, Wiltshire. He also held manors in Dorset,
Devon, and Somerset. His wife was a daughter of Serbo
de Burci, who held an estate at Domerham under the
Abbot of Glastonbury.
In this series of charters mention is made by the
King of " Mary my kinswoman " ; she is further spoken
of as Abbess, and the King gives special protection to
the Abbey of Romsey over which she presides. This
Mary was the youngest of King Stephen's daughters,
and the darling both of her father and mother, and was
dedicated by them to the monastic life from very early
years. Her birth took place about 1 1 36, and she was,
when old enough, placed in the Convent of S. Leonard's
at Stratford-at-Bow, the Manor of Lillechurch in Kent
being given for her support. Several sisters were brought
over from S. Sulpice at Bourges to be her attendants ;
but quarrels arose with the English sisters over the harsh-
ness of the discipline, and Stephen called together an
assembly consisting of Archbishop Theobald, the Bishop
of Chichester, the Abbot of Faversham, and others. It
was decided to take away the Manor of Lillechurch from
St. Leonard's and form it into a separate priory, over which
the young Princess should preside. " Her affectionate and
amiable mother. Queen Maud, did not," writes Mrs. Green,
" long live to lavish proofs of tenderness on this her only
surviving daughter ; and her death which took place in
1 151 deprived Mary of a support of which she afterwards
stood in much need." Queen Maud was daughter of the
Princess Mary of Blois. 55
Mary, who, with her sister, Matilda, Queen of Henry I,
had been brought up in Romsey Convent by their aunt
Christina at the close of the previous century. The grand-
mother, Mary, had been a pupil at Romsey, and now, for
some reason unknown, either her father, King Stephen,
or Henry H brought the grandchild Mary to the same
convent. The exact date cannot be proved, but if Mrs.
Green is correct in saying that she was some time in the
convent before becoming its Abbess, she must have re-
moved there before 1155, when Abbess Matilda died.
The Princess was not left long to enjoy the peace of
her convent life. In 1159-60 her brother William, Count
of Boulogne, died, and, as heiress of the property, she was
a prize worth seizing. At the instigation it would seem
of King Henry II, Matthew of Alsace, youngest son of
Theodoric, Count of Flanders, sought her as his bride,
and in spite of the strenuous opposition of Thomas a
Becket, carried her off. It was a scandalous proceeding,
but with the King against her, and with no relatives now
surviving to defend her honour or to support her resistance,
it may well be doubted if she was a willing instrument.
The whole matter was insistently pressed, and very likely
suddenly disclosed to her, and she was too young and
inexperienced, in the turmoil of the moment, to protect
herself But she never forgot Henry's unkindness, and
some years later, in a letter to the King of France warn-
ing him of the coming of Henry's emissaries, she speaks
in no measured terms of her cousin the King of England.
Here are the Princess' words written to Louis the Vllth
in 1 168 : —
"Let it be known to your Highness that Henry, King of
England, has sent his ambassadors to the Emperor. The return-
ing ambassadors passed through my territories, and I spoke with
them, and well I perceived from their words that the English
56 Records of Romsey Abbey.
King ceases not day nor night to devise mischief against you.
Wherefore I thought it fitting to send to your Grace and to give
you the necessary forewarning that you may take counsel with
your wise men and act as is most fitting, lest the impetuous pre-
sumption of the fraudulent King should inflict violent injury
upon you."
Mary viras married in 1161 ; she was joyfully received
by her own people as their young Countess, and became
endeared to them not only by reason of her blood, but
also by her kindly nature inherited from her mother.
The feud between Becket and her husband continued,
and various efforts were made to separate the couple, but
without success. Indeed Becket complains that in going
abroad his life was in danger, owing to Matthew's anger
with him.
At last, after ten years of married life, Matthew and
Mary agreed to separate, the former having been much
stirred by a speech of the Emperor Frederick I. This is
Mrs. Green's account : —
"During the feasting that took place on the marriage of
Matthew's sister Margaret with Baldwin, Earl of Hainault, and in
which he bore a part, the Emperor Frederic I., was present, and at
table in the midst of the assembled guests he dilated upon the
enormity of Earl Matthew's conduct towards the Lady Mary,
declaring that no man of respectability ought to associate with
him.
" Earl Theodoric, his father, had on his dying bed severely
reproved him for his fault, and this remonstrance, disregarded at
the time, now rushed upon his recollection. He returned home,
and, having with many penitential expressions asked forgiveness
from his wife, gave his full consent for her to return to the
cloister."
Mary retired to the monastery of S. Austreberthe at
Montreuil about 1169-1170, and died in 1182 at the early
Princess Mary of Blois. 57
age of forty-five years, leaving two daughters, Ida, the
elder, who was first married to Gerard, Earl of Gueldres,
and, becoming a widow after a few months, was re-married
to Reginald, Count of Damartin. She as the elder daughter
inherited her mother's property. Maud, the younger
daughter, was married to Henry I, Duke of Brabant. Both
these daughters were legitimatized, and had the recognition
of the Papacy, showing that the scandal was forgiven. The
story is a pitiable one, and the more so, because the victim
seems to have been of a particularly sweet and noble
disposition.
The name of the Lady Mary's successor at Romsey
is not recorded, unless it may be taken for granted that
Juliana was elected immediately after the abduction of
her youthful predecessor. Juliana was certainly presiding
over the convent as early as 11 74, and perhaps as early as
1 171. This is proved by a deed executed between her
and one Richard, son of Michael, son of Herlwin, relating
to lands and a tenement which his father, Michael, held
of the Abbey in Semmetonia, and to lands in Essetonia,
Ethedonia (Ashton and Edingdon) and Bradelea, and for
which, amongst other services, he gave one sextus of honey
at the feast of the patron S. vEthelfleda. Amongst the
witnesses to this deed there occurs the Archdeacon of
Winchester, Ralph, who filled that office from 1171 to
1 1 74. There is nothing impossible in the suggestion
that Juliana immediately succeeded the Lady Mary,
though her rule would in that case have been a long
one, extending over nearly forty years, 1160 to 1199, in
which latter year she died.
There is another deed of this Abbess, preserved in the
Winchester Cathedral Chartulary, Part III, No. 502, in
which Juliana and the Convent of the Church of S. Mary
of Romeseye confirm land to one William Terstwade in
58 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Testwade and ly Wada as his ancestors held it, and
here again one sextus of honey is mentioned as part of
the service rendered to the Abbey. Another deed in the
same collection contains a grant by J. (probably Juliana),
Abbess of Romsey, to a Richard de Testwode, of the
Mill at Totyngton {i.e., Totton). Other members of the
family "de Testwode" are to be found in documents
relating to Romsey for 150 years or more.
It was during Juliana's abbacy that King Henry II
caused nuns to be brought from Fontevrault. This event
took place in 11 76-7, and the cost mentioned in the Pipe
Roll is £2. 8j. 6d., a sum which must be multiplied by at
least forty to obtain a comparison with the present day value
of money. The Abbey of Fontevrault, which combined
in one establishment a house of monks and a house of
nuns, both under an abbess' rule, was situate some ten
miles south-east of Saumur on the river Loire, and
became the last resting place of Henry II and Richard I.
About the same time the King also brought nuns from
Fontevrault to the convent at Amesbury and expelled
some of the nuns there. The fact that French sisters were
brought to Romsey is just one of the many tantalizing
fragments of the Abbey's history which quickens the
imagination without satisfying it. Was there some ill
will against the Crown smouldering in the convent in
consequence of Henry's brutal treatment of the Princess
Mary? but this was a grievance sixteen years old. Was
there a lack of novices seeking profession ? but this
seems hardly likely at so early a date. Perhaps these two
possible causes may be combined, and the conjecture may
be hazarded that the convent had lost something of its re-
putation and attractiveness through the scandal of Abbess
Mary's abduction.
Two other charters of Abbess Juliana may be worth
'" Photo, c. iS6o.
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Princess Mary of Blois. 59
a reference. The first, dated 11 83, deals with a farm
granted to Richard Ruffus, or le Rous, the King's
chamberlain. The family, of which he was a member, was
connected with Immere or Imber in Wilts for several
centuries, and had frequent dealings with the convent.
The witnesses to this deed include Robert Elemosinarius
(Almoner), and Alanus and Ranulphus, "our chaplains."
The other charter relates to half a hide of land in Edyndon
granted to Robert de Fonte. It had been held by his
grandfather Alwardus. A Robertus Medicus (Doctor)
occurs amongst the witnesses. His name is a familiar one
in deeds of this date, relating to Romsey, and in some of
them he is described as of Ashton, i.e., Steeple Ashton,
Wilts.
No further information is to be had concerning Abbess
Juliana who died in February, 1 199, and was succeeded by
Abbess Matilda Patric, the sister or half-sister of Walter
Walerand. During this lady's abbacy King John built
a house at Romsey, which after his death was granted to
the convent for a farm within the Abbey, 9th November,
1221.
The King paid several visits to Romsey. On Monday,
28th February, 1200, he came there from Portsmouth and
on the following Wednesday proceeded to Winchester. On
the 2 1st April, 1206, he sent Godfrey Ruiifus to Romsey
with thirteen palfreys and six grooms, with two sumpter
horses and their attendant, and commanded the warden of
the Abbey to see that proper care was taken of the horses.
On Friday, the 22nd of January, 12 10, the King again
visited Romsey, travelling from Cranborne. He remained
there on Saturday, and perhaps longer, the next place
mentioned in his itinerary being Marlborough, which he
reached on the 28th of the same month. He spent the
nth of February at Ashley, and returned to Romsey on
Friday, the 12th.
6o Records of Romsey Abbey.
It is not without interest to notice that Christiana de
Rumesey was nurse to his daughter, the Princess Johanna,
and that the Mayor and others of Winchester had to make
a provision of two pence a day for her, 9th August, 12 13.
The Winchester folk seem to have fallen into arrears in the
payment of this allowance, for in 1218-19 Henry III orders
them to pay £6. is. %d. for two years, and refers to a
debt of £66. i2s. 6d. The convent, possibly owing to
these personal relations with the King, seems to have
favoured his cause, for as late as 29th of August, 1216,
more than a year after he had been forced to sign Magna
Carta, and within a few months of his death, the King
orders that the Abbess and Convent shall have possession
of the lands belonging to those of their tenants who are
the King's enemies, and have kept back their rents due
to the Abbey.
REFERENCES.
Hoare's County History of Wiltshire.
Dugdale's Monasticon.
Madox Formulari, No. 401.
Inspeximus of Royal Charters, as in Ch. III.
Wilts Archaeological Society's Magazine.
English Princesses. Mrs. Everett Green (Miss Wood).
Edington Chartulary. B. M. Landsdowne, 442.
Winchester Cathedral Chartulary.
Archaeological Institute, Winchester, Volume, 1845.
Patent Rolls.
King John's Itinerary.
CHAPTER V.
A.D. 1219 — 1298.
THE 13th CENTURY ABBESSES.
" It is needful to enclose the garden (i.e. , the
convent) by the defence of shrewd and sharp
discipline, as the Paradise of God was enclosed
by angelic care and the flaming sword."
Archbishop Peckham's Injunctions.
Chapter V.
THE 13th CENTURY ABBESSES.
"T^HE Records of Romsey during the reign of Henry III
relate rather to external than to internal aiifairs, and
deal with the appointment of officers, with grants from the
Crown and Manor privileges. The Episcopal Registers,
from which some idea might be obtained as to the internal
life of the Convent and the character of the Abbesses,
are not available till the close of the century.
A slight sketch is alone possible, and this is the more
to be regretted because the 13th century witnessed the
close of the golden age of the monastic life, and it would
have been of great interest to know how Romsey fared,
and whether the Convent maintained that high excellence,
as an educational establishment, which was its proud
possession in the time of Christina and her niece, the
Princess Matilda.
When the century opened Matilda Patric ^ was still
Abbess, and during the fifty-six years of Henry's reign
there were, including this lady, eight Abbesses who ruled
over the house. They followed in quick succession, Matilda
Patric dying in 1218-19 was followed by an unnamed
Matilda (1219-30), whose successor was Matilda de Barbfle
(1230-37) ; then came Isabel de Nevill for about a year
1 This lady is called Paric in the Patent Roll, and Patriz in the Annales
Monastici.
64 Records of Romsev Abbey.
(1237-38), and she was succeeded by Cecilia (1238-47);
the Prioress Constance was the next Abbess (1247-60),
and after a vacancy of some six months, during which
time William de Axemuth held the Abbey as the King's
Escheator, Amicia de Sulhere, who had been Prioress,
received the abbatial staff, i6th May — 6th June, 1261, and
continued as ruler for some seven years, when Alicia
Walerand was appointed, nth — 28th July, 1268. So many
changes in the government of a large establishment like
Romsey could not at any time have made for efficiency,
and still less at a time when a change was passing over the
whole monastic system. There are signs towards the close
of the century, when the Episcopal Visitations begin, that
the discipline of Romsey Abbey had grown lax, and
warnings, though lovingly, were sternly given.
Little is known about the six Abbesses between Matilda
Patric and Alice Walerand, indeed it has not been a simple
matter to recover the names and dates of some of these
ladies. Matilda the unnamed and Matilda de Barbfle came
to light in searching a printed calendar of the Patent Roll,
or roll containing the Crown's mandates open and public
to all. Isabel and Constance are to be found in the Patent
and also in the Close Roll, or register of letters closed or
sealed up and directed to individuals, but the rolls for these
years have not yet been printed.^ Abbess Constance has
been known for many years from her seal, of which an
illustration is given, but four of these ladies' names have
never been printed in any Romsey handbook ; they are
the Matilda unnamed, Matilda de Barbfle, Isabel de Nevill,
and Cecilia. The story of the fortunate recovery of the
name and date of this latter lady may perhaps be worth the
telling, as it shows that perseverance in a search of this kind
is always worth while, in spite of many disappointments.
1 The Patent Rolls for 1232-47 have now been printed.
To fa, e p. 6|,:
sKAi, or Aiii;|.:,ss cdxM'ANri
A.I). 1247-61.
The 13TH Century Abbesses. 65
The name Cecilia came to light in studying a 14th
century MS. (B. M., Lansd. 442), which is a beautifully
written book or register of deeds, relating in part to the
Abbey's Wiltshire property. This register was made by
the Monks of Edington, who in the 14th century succeeded
to some of the property and entered into possession of the
church there. In this collection there is a deed mention-
ing Cecilia, but without a date ; there are, however, the
names of a number of witnesses appended which proved
that she was Abbess in the earlier half of the 13th cen-
tury, but her exact place was still unknown. Further
light came from an old and interesting deed, relating to
the Rector of Edington and the Rector of St. Laurence,
or Parish Church of Romsey. There had been a long
continued dispute about a tithe in Wiltshire, and John,
the Rector of Edington, and Adam, the Rector of
Romesey, together with the Abbess, petitioned the Bishop
of Salisbury to step in and settle the matter. He did
so, and the deed was sealed with the seals of the Bishop,
Abbess, Convent, and of the two Rectors, but best of
all the date was added, 1241. This document did not,
however, give the exact date of Cecilia's appointment,
and whilst her predecessor and successor both occur in
the Close Roll as having the King's confirmation, there
is no mention of Abbess Cecilia. A study of the Rolls
suggests an explanation — one of them is missing, and this
is for the year 1238, which may therefore be taken as the
probable date of her appointment.
A missing link still remained ; in the deed of the rectors
the lady is named merely as Abbess C, and though the
witnesses in the deed of the Edington register included
the Rectors John and Adam, yet C. might have stood
for another Abbess, but happily a third MS. turned up
and clinched the whole matter ; it was dated 1244, and
spoke of the Abbess by her full name CeciUa.
F
66 Records of Romsev Abbey.
Most of these ladies had dealings with the Crown, and
were recipients of royal favours. Henry the III was born
at Winchester, and loved his birthplace, spending much
of his time there, as the city found to its cost. Living
in the neighbourhood, it is not surprising to find that,
like his father, King John, he visited Romsey, or that
he favoured it with gifts. Early in his reign the house
which King John had built at Romsey, probably for a
hunting box, was granted to the Abbess for a farm. On
the occasion of Henry's visit there, on 15th March, 1231,
a month or two after Matilda de Barbfle's appointment,
he granted five oaks from Milchet Wood, ad planchias
faciendas, for the repair of the dormitories.
Isabel de Nevill was favoured with a gift of five New
Forest bucks to celebrate her installation, 21st May, 1237,
and the King acquitted a rent due to the Crown at Easter
by reason of the late vacancy of the Abbey, which rent
was used to pay the debt of the Abbey ; this favour
was given on 13th July. Though thirty abbesses at
least presided over this establishment between Edgar's
new foundation in 967 and the suppression of the Mon-
asteries in the i6th century, on no other occasion is there
any surviving record of a King's gift for an abbess's feast,
or indeed of a feast being held, though no doubt it was
the usual custom on the appointment of a new head of
the house.
Under Cecilia the Abbey owed the Crown, or rather
the Bishopric, which was in the King's hands at the time,
;^io for corn (1239), a sum equal to some ;^240 in these
days, and this rather considerable sum was remitted. Six
New Forest oaks for timber came into the hands of the
Sacrist 24th June, 1251, and two years later sixteen oaks
from the same place were given for the fabric of the church
(21st June, 1253). After this the record of gifts ceases
The 13TH Century Abbesses. 67
until the closing years of the reign, when Henry grants
six more oaks, this time from Clarendon Forest (20th
Nov., 1 271), and closes his presents with a cask of wine,
lOth May, 1272.
No great demands were made upon the Abbey for
these royal favours, so far as the surviving records show,
with the exception of an order to take in a lady, one
Matilda Waler and her handmaid, and to provide them
with necessaries. The most trying part of this command
being found in its closing words : " during the life time
of the said Matilda ; " for the abbey's sake it is to be
hoped that she was not a young woman. The only
other demand occurs when the King kept Christmastide
at Winchester in 1268, Romsey, together with Southamp-
ton, Andover, Newbury, and Alresford, are to provide
bread. Judging by the number of places called upon,
the company which, with retainers and servants, gathered
at the Royal Court on this occasion must have been a
large one.
Another matter, and one of a rather more public
character, came under the consideration of the Crown
during this reign. Matilda Patric, sister or half-sister
of Walter Walerand died sometime between 28th October,
12 18, and 27th October, 12 19. With her death the gallows
ceased to be used and fell to the ground, nor was it brought
into use again for fifty years or more. It is impossible
now to explain why this disuse obtained. Perhaps the
Abbesses who followed Matilda were more religious and
less secular-minded, and attended rather to the Convent
life and the Abbey buildings than to the conservation of
manorial privileges and the care of their estates.
But the privilege of trying criminals was not generally
despised. In his History of Hampshire, the late Mr.
Shore says : —
68 Records of Romsey Abbey.
" Many places in Hampshire had the right of holding a Court
Leet in addition to the Manor Court. This privilege was highly
valued by the lords of Manors. It relieved them from certain
obligations in connection with the hundred Courts held by the
sheriff of the County or his deputy. A Manor which had a
Court Leet could make its own arrangements for the assize of
bread £uid ale, appoint its own ale-taster, and the lord of such a
Manor usually had also the right of freegallows. So many gibbets
existed in various parts of Hampshire at one time, that male-
factors could not travel many miles without coming across one
or more of these reminders of the law, from which the whitened
bones of some criminal were perhaps hanging.''
At Romsey, wrhen the tithe map w^as made, in 1845,
there was a Gallows mead on the north-west side of the
town, situate a third of the way up the Burnt Mill stream
or the middle stream above the mills in Mill Lane, and this
may indicate the site of the ancient place of execution.
A few other benefits of a public character were received
from the Crown during the last six years of Henry's reign.
On the 1 8th of July, 1266, a market on Wednesdays and a
fair of three days, lasting from the Vigil to the morrow of
the Nativity of the B. V. M. (September 8th) was granted
at Ashton, i.e.. Steeple Ashton in Wiltshire. Two years
later (lOth July, 1268) all the ancient charters of the Abbey
were overhauled, inspected and confirmed, fresh copies
being made, because as is explained : — " We find the
charters worn away by age and not durable, and are not
willing that the well-beloved in Christ, the Abbess and
nuns of Romsey, there serving and for ever to serve God
and the Blessed Mary and S. Ethelfleda should suffer loss
or damage." This was the year of the great storm at
Winchester, a storm which no doubt included Romsey
in the havoc wrought in the neighbourhood.
Whilst there is not much evidence as to the mainten-
ance or increase of manorial rights in the early part of the
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i;r.a,Jlands Cullectiuii
The 13TH Century Abbesses. 69
reign, the Church proves that there was much activity
going on about the buildings. The transition from Norman
to Early Pointed work is to be dated during the reigns
of Henry II and Richard I. The Transitional work in
Romsey Abbey, as described in the previous chapter, had
been carried out whilst Juliana was Abbess (i 171-99).
Then after a considerable interval, building operations were
again taken in hand, and the great church was finally com-
pleted by the erection of the very beautiful lancets at the
west end. This window, together with the last bays of
the nave, are of Early Pointed work, a style which pre-
vailed throughout the reign of Henry HI. There is a
fine capital, in the north-west door, of this style, dated by
Rickman as of about the year 1240, and a string course of
1250, according to Parker.
It is not without significance that, as has been already
seen, a good deal of timber was given by the King to the
Convent, and the gifts extend throughout the reign. The
dormitories were repaired in 1230, sixteen oaks were given
specifically for the fabric of the church in 1253, the Sacrist
receiving six just two years earlier. The Early Pointed
work may therefore be dated circa 1240-60, which include
the Abbacies of Cecilia and Constance. Some of the
timber may have been used for the final roofing of the
nave, and in any case there is ample evidence of building
activity, both in the church and about the conventual
buildings at this time.
After a few years interval the eastern end of the church
was taken in hand ; a desire for more light, as well as for
the more graceful ornamentation of this part of the church,
may have been the moving cause of the undertaking. The
heavy Norman triforium and clerestory were removed, and
an exceedingly handsome window with bar tracery was
inserted. At about the same time, or soon after, the Lady
70 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Chapel was rebuilt ; the gift by the Crown of six Clarendon
Forest oaks, in 1271, should indicate the date of the work.
There had been a Norman Lady Chapel up to this time,
which now gave place to one of more graceful pattern and
enlarged design. The windows, which now occupy the old
entrance into the chapel, are formed of geometrical tracery
of the earlier pattern of the Decorated style, and are
spoken of by Mr. Loftus Brock in the Builder as thirteenth
century work. These windows were inserted in their
present position when the Lady Chapel was pulled down,
shortly after the suppression of the monastery, and when
the great church, with a twenty-four foot ambulatory, was
sold by the Crown to the townsfolk.
The late Vicar of Romsey, the Rev. E. L. Berthon, who
with extraordinary skill lowered and restored these windows
without taking them to pieces, examined the foundations
of the Lady Chapel in 1866. He discovered a concrete floor
and the foundations of a forty foot building extending into
Mr. Curtis' garden, with bases and responds of the corner
columns, corresponding with those on the face of the
church. He also found the base of the central column for
the support of the groining of the roof There were
capitals lying about which were placed in the nave of the
church.
But Mr. Berthon did more ; he pierced the concrete
floor, and at a depth of twelve inches he came upon the
floor of the earlier Norman chapel with tooth-pattern tiles
of that period ; he gave the dimensions of this chapel as
21 ft. by 25 ft, or only half the length of the later one.
He says that this chapel was two steps below the rest of
the church, and that the remains therein point to two altars
corresponding to the double arched entrance, and thus
agreeing with a double dedication in honour of the Blessed
Virgin Mary and St. Ethelfleda. It may be that the visit
The 13TH Century Abbesses. 71
of King Edward I for two days, the 28th and 29th of
January, 1275, marks the consecration of the new and
beautiful Lady Chapel.
It is a matter of great regret that more evidence has
not survived to show the details of the work and the means
by which the convent was enabled to complete and improve
this magnificent building, which so deeply impresses every
lover of architecture by its harmonious proportions.
The male officers of the monastery must have played an
important part in forwarding these building operations as
well as in the dealings of the convent with the outer world,
whether with architect, workmen, tenants, or crown officials.
Amongst the convent officials the seneschal or steward
would have been the most important. One of these,
Walter de Acle, lived in the time of Abbess Matilda,
probably Matilda Patric (1199-1219). Another, Savaric
de Cinnoc, was steward under one of her successors, and
Walter de Romesey under Matilda de Barbfle (1231).
The last-named was a person of importance ; he had
appeared in court as attorney for Abbess Matilda in 1219,
and witnessed a deed between the Abbess and one Michael
de Cantertone, probably a few years later. He was an
itinerant justice of Southampton about 12 17-1228, and
Sheriff of Hampshire and Wiltshire, 1228-9, i" which latter
year he became King's Coroner. At the time of Matilda
de Barbfle's appointment Henry de Cerne, having the
custody of the Abbey as the King's escheator during the
vacancy, is commanded to give seizin to Walter de
Romesey as seneschal, and is especially forbidden to inter-
fere any further with the convent property. This Walter
was one of a long line of the Romesey family who held
possessions in Somerset, Hants, and Wilts, and who for
several centuries had dealings with the Abbey.
The deeds which give Walter de Romesey's name give
72 Records of Romsey Abbey.
some information about the clergy. About the year 1212
there were three presbyters (priests), Ranulph, Simon his
brother, and Richard de Mannestun. They were either
chaplains or prebendaries, possibly the latter, as throughout
the early centuries there were three prebendal stalls
attached to the Abbey. One of these carried with it the
church of Edington in Wiltshire ; the other two were con-
nected with the parish church of St. Laurence within the
Abbey, the one having attached to it the church of
Tymsbury, near Romsey, together with the chapel of
Imber, in Wiltshire, the other having rights in the Abbey
property at Sydmanton in North Hampshire, near New-
bury, Berks. The former of these was entitled "The
Prebend of St. Laurence the Greater."
In the time of Cecilia (1238-47), Adam and John are
described as Canons of Romsey, and further particulars
are given in an interesting arbitration about tithe made
in 1241 by Robert Bingham, Bishop of Salisbury (27th
May, 1229 — 3rd November, 1246). In this deed John de
Romesey is spoken of as Rector of Edington, and Adam
as Rector of St. Laurence, Romesey. The Bishop awards to
John the Church of Edingdon, with the Chapel of Bradley,
and the tenths in Beynton, Tenhide, and Coueleston ; and
to Adam the Chapel of Ymmemere, with all that belongs
to it, conditionally, however, that eight marcs, a year are
given to the Abbess by way of tithe, as had been the
custom. Had the seals of this document remained intact
they would have afforded much interest, since they in-
cluded the seals of the Bishop, the Convent, the Abbess,
and those of the two Rectors, but, with the exception of
a' small scrap of the Abbess's seal, they are all missing.
One other cleric is mentioned in this document, Angerus,
who was no doubt a chaplain under Abbess Cecilia. This
lady's seneschal, or steward, is described in another docu-
ment as Henry de Jueul.
The 13TH Century Abbesses. 73
John de Romesey's successor appears to have been John
de Whwytechirch (Whitchurch), he again was succeeded
by Geoffrey Britoni in 1262. This is to be learnt from a
deed of Giles of Bridport, Bishop of Salisbury (nth March,
1257 — 13th December, 1262) to this Geoffrey, who was a
canon of the Cathedral. The Bishop recites a letter from
Pope Alexander empowering him to confer benefices pre-
bendal or otherwise, having cure of souls, upon Thomas de
Rumesye and his three other clerks whom he shall know
to be suitable. By this authority he confers on Geoffrey
the Church of Edyndon, lately vacant by the death of
Master John de Whwytechirch, formerly rector.
Another benefice in this neighbourhood came under
the attention of the Bishop of Salisbury in the time of
Abbess Constance. The benefice was that of Steeple
Ashton, which lay a few miles from Edington and within
the Convent's manor. The Bishop's order with respect to
it is of sufficient interest to quote at length : —
"To all, etc., William of York, Bishop of Salisbury [14th
July, 1247 — January 31st, 1255-6] greeting. Whereas our Lord
the Pope granted Ashton Church, i.e., the rectory, to Constance
Abbess and the Convent of Romsey to be applied to their own
uses saving a competent vicar, we with her consent, etc., have
ordained as follows : —
"Besides maintaining the old vicarage portion, which was
oblations and confessions, tithe of wool and lambs, cheese, milk,
pigs (as well out of the court of the Abbess, as of the whole
parish), tithe of mills, pannage of pigs, Cheresett in all tithes
of demesne of the parson and tenants, apples and all small
tithes in the Abbess' court and in all the parish, 'esculentum
et poculentum' supplied according to custom to the vicar at
Christmas and Easter by the Convent.
"There shall also accrue to Vicar Godwyn and all his suc-
cessors all the tithe with villan hay in Sulde Ashton, Ashton
74 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Dunstaville {i.e., GifFord), and West Ashton. Also he shall have 24
pigs in the woods of the Abbess and certain other rights of feeding
for 6 cows, etc. Also a court and house with shrubbery belonging
to the rectory ; the old vicar's house to go to the Abbess, except
two acres of the old vicarage. The vicar having more than 20s.
burden to bear, to receive 12^-. a year from Bradley church, 5^.
from Trowbridge, and 45. from the Abbess' demesne at Tylshyde.
All the rest of the rectory to go to the Abbess. But the vicar
shall have two chaplains continually with him to serve the church
at his own expense, and the vicar shall bear one third part of the
Episcopal and other charges, and the Abbess the rest. Sealed
and dated ist October, 1252."
A reference to one of the chief duties of chaplains,
that of saying mass for the living and departed, occurs in
an agreement between Abbess Cecilia and Joan de Nevill
in 1244. Joan had given to the Church of Romsey a
caracute (some 100 acres) of land in la Lee, which was to
come into the possession of the convent " in free and per-
petual alms at her death," in return the Abbess grants that
when this takes place " the Abbey shall find and maintain
a suitable chaplain, who shall celebrate divine service for
the soul of Joan and of her ancestors and heirs for ever."
The land in La Lee had been part of Joan's dower, and
one Robert de Shorewell, in the year 1241, confirms the
land, stated then to be half a hide and thirty-seven acres,
to Joan as of his gift. She pays twenty marks of silver on
the occasion, or ;^I3. 6s. Sd., a mark being 13.?. ^d The
total in present day value might be £^20. The dowry
spoken of may have reference to a second marriage, Joan
having also been married to a William de St. Martin.
The interest which this lady displayed in the convent
opens up a whole field of enquiry which may some day
throw a good deal of light on connections between the
convent and several noble families of the period. Joan's
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The 13TH Century Abbesses. 75
mother was one of three heiresses, daughters of Walter
Walerand. The latter owned estates at Dene and East
Grinstead, and held the Serjeantry of the Forests in
Hampshire under the Crown. He had married Isabel,
a member of the great house of the Earls of Salisbury.
Her exact place in the pedigree is not easy to determine,
and is here given tentatively. If she was the daughter
of Patric, Earl of Salisbury, she would have been the
aunt of the celebrated Countess Ela, who was married
to William Longspee, natural son of Henry H, and became
the foundress of Laycock Abbey. Isabel's husband, Walter
Walerand, is said to have had a sister or half-sister, Abbess
of Romsey ; this is the lady who is described as Matilda
Patric and Matilda Walerand. The name Patric forcibly
suggests that Matilda too was of the Salisbury family and
sister to Isabel, and should in that case be strictly described
as sister-in-law to Walter Walerand.
The three daughters and heiresses of Walter and Isabel
were Cecily, married to John de Monmouth, founder of
Grace Dieu Abbey, Albreda or Aubrey, married to John
de Ingeham, and Isabel, married to William de Nevill, the
mother of Joan, mentioned above. A glance at the
pedigree will make the relationship of these people clear,
and the suggestions which are not proved will be seen by
the dotted lines and italics.
When Cecily's grandson died in 1257 he held a third
part of a knight's fee in Bardolfeston near Puddleton,
Dorset. His holding was no doubt his grandmother's
share, her sisters holding the other two shares. At the
grandson's death the share was divided between Cecily's
sister Aubrey and her niece, Joan de Nevill, so that when
the latter died in 1263 she held half a knight's fee instead
of a third. And now a curious thing happens; in 1285
three parties and not two hold Bardolfeston, namely,
^6 Records of Romsey Abbey.
William de St. Martin, Joan's heir, John de Ingeham,
Aubrey's heir, and the Abbess of Romsey ; nor did the
Convent cease its holding till the suppression of the
monasteries. The Abbey's right must have been acquired
at some time previous to 1285, and may have been much
earlier. Perhaps Joan de Nevill was the benefactor, and
entered into an agreement that the property should come
to the Abbey after her death as with the property at La
Lee. It must not be forgotten also that an Isabel de
Nevill was Abbess of Romsey in 1237 to 1238, who one
must suppose from Joan's great interest in the Abbey was
her mother, during widowhood.
In the south transept lies a very beautiful effigy^ of
a woman, one it is said of the most beautiful in this part
of England. The head-dress is exactly like that to be
found on the seal of Ela, Countess of Salisbury, who died
1261. The style of the monument also is to be dated
about the middle of the thirteenth century. Now according
to a journal of the Rev. J. Skinner dated 1817, and
preserved in the B. M. Add. MSS., " the figure was found
about a century previous to 18 17 whilst digging a grave
near the font," that is at the west end of the nave, where
the font then stood. The position indicates the original
place of the effigy, amidst the later additions to the church
in the Early Pointed style of circa 1240 to 1260, and no
doubt commemorates a benefactor of the period. What
more likely than that this effigy represents Joan de Nevill
herself, who died in 1263, or some member of this family
which manifested so evident an interest in the convent?
Further evidence may at any time turn up to prove or
disprove the suggestion, but it seemed worth while giving
for lack of any better account of the origin of this beautiful
monument.
1 See frontispiece.
The 13TH Century Abbesses. yy
There are a great many names of other people scattered
up and down in deeds of this period, about whom some
interesting particulars might be given, if it were possible to
spend the time required in collecting and sifting the facts.
For instance, Walter and his son Ralph de Edyndon, are
worthy of notice because they were no doubt ancestors of
William de Edyndon, the great Bishop of Winchester, in
the fourteenth century. Again, in the absence of any list
of sisters at this time, the names of two nuns, Eustachia de
Fauconburg and Miliaria de Percy, may be mentioned.
They report the death of the unnamed Maud to the King
on 14th December, 1230. The former was, it is likely, the
daughter of Eustace de Fauconburg, who sat as a King's
Justice at Westminster, ist June, 1203 ; the latter may be
supposed to be a member of the great family of Percy
afterwards Earls of Northumberland, who originally held
lands both in Hampshire and Sussex.
Although some of the sisters at Romsey, as at other
places, came from county families, and some from noble
and even royal stock, their birth would have given them
no necessary superiority in the convent. Nevertheless,
although the world was excluded from the religious house,
and all were sisters, a certain amount of state must have
surrounded the Abbess as the head of a great community
and the ruler of large estates, with far-reaching powers
over goods and men. Abbess Maud with her seneschal
Sir Walter de Romesey, Knight, himself a Royal Justice and
King's Sheriff, expresses the dignity and importance of the
house and its head, as it appeared to the outside world,
whatever the piety, simplicity, and humility of the religious
ladies within its walls.
The history of Alice Walerand, the lady who held the
Abbacy at the death of Henry HI and lived on through
the greater part of Edward I's reign, will illustrate still
78 Records of Romsey Abbey.
further the relation of the Abbess and convent to the outer
world, and the first surviving record of an episcopal
visitation of Romsey, which was made in her time, will
give some insight into the internal condition and discipline
of the convent.
Abbess Alice Walerand succeeded Abbess Amicia de
Sulhere. The latter died before nth July, 1268, when the
nuns Alice Letice and Johanna Roudon reported her death
to the King and begged licence to elect a new Abbess.
The new election obtained the assent of the Crown on the
28th of July, a confirmation of the Abbey's Charters having
been already made on the loth of July. This lady enter-
tained King Edward I in 1275, when two days, the 28th and
29th of January, were spent at Romsey by the royal party.
After this date royal visits were probably less common than
they had been, for with the death of Henry III the royal
family ceased to reside at Winchester, and the city and
neighbourhood became of much less importance.
Within the next five years Abbess Alice obtained a
confirmation of the right of assize of bread and ale, by which
she as lady of the manor, through her officer, tested the
measures of these important articles of diet, and inflicted
a fine, or in other words took a toll from the bakers and
brewers for fulfilling this duty. Her right had been called
in question, but her attorney proved to the Court that the
charter of a free market, conceded by the late king, covered
her right, and the Abbess was left in peace. This con-
firmation was followed by another relating to the property
of Northwood (4th January, 1280), when a charter of
Henry H was examined, which proved that this wood had
been given to the Abbey by King Edward the Confessor.
The variety of business coming under the cognizance
of an Abbess may be illustrated from several other docu-
ments : — On the 1st May, 1278, John de Montague and
fh - r
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COFFIN F„„, ,3,,„ cEXTl-RV,
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T,j fart
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The 13TH Century Abbesses. 79
Mabel his wife, and Christine de la Slade, who had a share
in two premises in Romsey, yield their right to the Abbess,
who in return grants them for life a shop in Romsey, which
Walter le Fatte sometime held, they paying 6d. as a yearly
rent. On the 8th July, 1281, Robert de la Wylderne and
his wife Maud quitclaim a messuage and two acres of land
to the Abbess and her church for a sparrow-hawk of a year
old. Such payments, like a pepper-corn, a red rose at
midsummer, or a clove gilly-flower, are very common in
these documents.
Another document introduces the celebrated Countess
Isabella, wife of William de Fortibus, Earl of Albermarle,
and sister of Baldwin de Redvers, Earl of Devon. In
1288, 8th July, the Abbess yielded all right she might
have in the advowson of the Church of Freshwater in the
Isle of Wight to Isabella de Fortibus, Countess of Albe
Marlie, who had warranted the Manor to Margaret, wife of
Robert Aguylun. The right was of some value, for the
Abbess received 200 marcs of silver for her compliance.
This sum might equal some ;£^3200 to-day. No evidence,
so far, has come to light as to how Romsey obtained rights
in the advowson of Freshwater Church.
Two other deeds make a reference to the Romsey
family. John de Romesey, Rector of Edington and one
of the Canons and Prebendaries of the Abbey, gave a
ploughland to the Convent, situate in Testwode and
la Waude, 3rd April, 1294. He held it of Richard de
Testwode at a rent of 5^., the latter holding it of the
Abbey. It was worth two marcs a year. The other
deed, dated but two months before the Abbess's death,
carries the reader into Berkshire, to Enborn or Estened-
burne near Newbury, a place not far from the Romsey
property at Sydmanton. The connection between the two
properties appears in an entry of a fine to the King in
8o Records of Romsey Abbey.
1256, by which it appears that the Abbess confirmed a
grant for life to John de Romesey, son of Walter, of the
Manor of Sidemanton, with rent in Eneborn, Robert
Walerand being surety for the rent. On January 28th,
1298, Abbess Alice and the Convent entered into a
covenant to concede this Manor to Master Thomas de
Alberburia, given to him by Ralph, son of Walter Pygon,
who formerly held it. The Convent was to receive a rent
of 55^. and a fine on the spot of ;^20. Amongst the
witnesses occur the names of two burgesses of Newbury.
Forest rights were a matter of great importance and
were therefore liable to become the subject of dispute.
Early in Alice Walerand's time, 1272, the question whether
the woods of Ashton and Edington were without the
bounds of Selwood Forest arose ; if they were within
they came under the hands of the Royal Foresters. An
enquiry was held, and it was found that they were without
the bounds of the forest up to the time of Alan Nevill, the
Royal Justiciary of the Forest, who had made them part
of it. After his time certain knights and others came
forward and subscribed ;^ioo of silver to have a perambu-
lation, by which the Abbess's woods were excluded from
the forest, and continued so down to the time of Robert
Passelewe, who had again made them forest. By two later
enquiries these woods were declared to be outside the
boundaries of Selwood, and no doubt the Romsey Steward
congratulated himself on the successful maintenance of
the Abbey's rights.
Twenty years later another forest right had to be
defended, and that nearer home. An enquiry had been
held as to the " lawing " of the Abbess's dogs at Romsey
and in the neighbourhood. This " lawing " was the cutting
off the claws of a dog's forefeet, and was done to conform
The 13TH Century Abbesses. 81
to the forest laws for the protection of the King's game.
The King's order may be quoted at length : —
"Order to permit the Abbess of Romsey and her tenants,
without and within the bridge of Bradebrugg, to be acquitted of
the lawing of their dogs without the bridge aforesaid and in the
hamlets pertaining to the Manor of Romsey, as the King learns
by inquisition taken by the Justice that King Edgar granted the
Manor of Romsey both without and within the said bridge, with
the hamlets pertaining to it, to the Church of Romsey in ' frank
almoin ' or free gift, as fully as he held it in demesne {i.e., as lord
of the manor), and that the Abbess and her tenants .... were
always from that time quit of the lawing of their dogs until the
time of William Briwere, who unjustly exacted such lawing from
them, when he had the custody of the forest of La Bere near
Winchester. And that they had peace from that time until the
time when John Maunsell had the custody of the forest, whose
bailiff Alan again levied this lawing by force, and so afterwards
the foresters continued the custom to the damage of the Abbess
and against her liberty."
In connection with the Romsey woods it is worth
noting that a commission was issued in May, and again in
June, 1297, to try the persons who assaulted Almaricus de
Somersete in the Romsey woods. Hampshire at this time
was infested with robbers, and travelling was dangerous.
Mr. Shore says : —
"By the Statute of Winchester, in 1285, the people of each
hundred were obliged to make hue and cry after felons, and if
any person, seeing a felon, did not raise the hue and cry, and if
others did not join in it, they were liable. It was not sufficient
to allow the criminal to depart to another hundred. The hue
and cry had to be raised, a chase made and continued from
hundred to hundred until the culprit was caught. Many an
exciting chase, with many a cry of 'Stop, thief,' or perhaps of
' Murder,' must have taken place across the county in those days."
From these rather dull legal documents it will be
82 Records of Romsey Abbey.
pleasant to turn to the injunctions of Archbishop Peckham,
made after a visitation by that prelate. It is thought that
they were issued about 1283. Possibly the visitation was
held just before Bishop John de Pontoise was consecrated
Bishop of Winchester in 1282, otherwise it is hard to find
a reason for a visitation by the Metropolitan.
Extract from Archbishop Peckham' s Register.
" Brother John, by Divine permission the humble servant
of the Church of Canterbury, primate of all England, to
his beloved daughters in Christ the Abbess and Convent
of Romeseyhe, salutation, grace and benediction.
" In a lily garden the Bridegroom is filled with delight,
and finds pleasure in gathering lilies above all other flowers.
It is therefore needful to enclose this garden by the defence
of shrewd and sharp discipline, as the Paradise of God was
enclosed by angelic care and the flaming sword, lest an
entrance be opened to the serpent into the same, or to
any sower of mischief, by which the pleasure of the
Bridegroom should be turned to displeasure or less liking.
This lily we believe to be the whole celestial and angelic
ornament of virginal purity, which, by reason of certain
matters found in our Metropolitan visitation lately held, in
canonical form, we desire to protect in perpetuity by the
ready defence of injunctions.
" First, therefore, we ordain that the Abbess for the
time being choose a discreet council and change her
companions every year so that by many testimonies the
truth of her discretion may become known. Also that
she ever bear in mind to behave as a mother of the society,
and to cause herself to be regarded as such by all and each
who require consolation, no less than is an earthly mother
by her natural daughters. Let her therefore always seek
to attract to herself the true affection of all without the
The 13TH Century Abbesses. 83
accepting of persons, and so to show herself with saving
probity to all alike that she be in no way noted for
partiality. Let her, moreover, earnestly consider herself
not as the mistress of the community's goods, but only as
one who discharges the office of a stewardess.
" No abbess is to live finely and especially whilst the
convent suffer want, and if the convent lack, the abbess is
to show her sympathy, as a mother to her daughters, by
doing away with her separate table and eating with the
sisters, and any guests are to be refreshed at such times
in the common hall.
" Without the advice of the Chapter, she is not to
appoint the steward, bailiffs or household servants.
" If the abbess cannot be present at compline, the nun
who is over the choir, with two of the more honourable of
the nuns, shall inform her that compline has been said,
and immediately all drinking in her chamber shall cease,
and all lay people, whether of the household or guests, and
also the religious shall leave, and at once the abbess shall
say compline that she may be with the convent in the
night watches, provided that she is not prevented by bodily
infirmity ; and in her chamber she shall have no lay people
beyond two handmaidens.
" The nuns are not to eat, when in good health, except
in the refectory or abbess' chamber.
"No man is to enter the nuns' chambers under pain of
the greater excommunication, but in case of sickness the
confessor, doctor, or relative may do so, in honourable
company, and so avoid even suspicion of evil.
" Four officers (Scrutatrices) are to keep the cloisters
clear of any persons who come to gaze or chatter. A nun
breaking silence with any man in the cloister is to be
deprived of a pittance at the next meal. Such conversation
84 Records of Romsey Abbey.
is permitted only in the parlour or in the side of the church
next the cloister, and to avoid unseemly conversation she
is to have two companions.
" Confessions are to be heard before the high altar or at
the side of the church next the cloister.
" No nun is to go out except in staid company, nor is
she to stay with secular folk beyond three days.
"The superstition accustomed to be observed at the
Nativity and Ascension of our Lord, we condemn for ever.
" Women are not to be admitted as paying guests,
without licence."
A special injunction follows : " That a habit having
arisen on the part of those going out, of eating and drinking
on their return in the houses of layfolk and clerks in the
town of Romesey, this is forbidden to the Abbess and
sisters on pain of suspension from the monastery for a
year."
These injunctions, together with the appointment by
the Archbishop of three coadjutors for the Abbess, Margery
de Verdun, Phillipa de Stokes, and Johanna de Rovedoune,
give the impression that the discipline was not as strictly
maintained as it should have been, and that the convent
had won for itself somewhat of a name for social pleasures,
but there is nothing worse.
A trouble arose in 1286, by reason of the extravagant
and dissolute life of one of the Prebendaries, William
Schyrlock, who annoyed the sisters, and he is forbidden the
church and convent.
Before closing this chapter some personal account must
be given of Abbess Alice Walerand or Walraund. She
came of a noble family, who owned the castle and manor
of Kilpec in Herefordshire, her mother being Isabella de
Kilpec and her father William Walerand. A seal belonging
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The 13TH Century Abbesses. 85
to her mother was found some years ago (1842) at Ewshot
in the parish of Crondall, Hants. Engraved on it is the
representation of a lady with a hawk on her wrist and a
lure in her right hand, with the legend " S(igillum) Isabelle
Wale'rant."
The male line of the family came to an end early in
the fourteenth century. Alice's elder brother Robert, a
sheriff of Gloucestershii-e, dying without issue in 1272-3,
the property would naturally have descended to his brother
William's sons, Robert and John, but they had no issue,
and the latter was unhappily deficient in intellect. Robert
had, moreover, before his death enfeoffed another nephew
with the manor of Kilpec ; this nephew was named Alan
de Plukenet or Plogenet and was the second son of his
sister Alice, — not of course a son of the abbess, but
of another Alice, there being two Alices in the family.
Her elder son was Richard de la Bere and her husband was
Andrew de la Bere. It is worth while entering into these
particulars, because a sixteenth century antiquarian, Gerard,
has recorded a scandalous story about the abbess, which
appears, on examination of contemporary records, to be
groundless.
In his Survey of Somerset, under Haselbury, Gerard
says : — " I think it worth my labour to transcribe unto you
in its own words, forme and language, what I found in an
old parchment which came accidentally to my hands of
the owners of this Haselberye. In this now following you
may observe the power of a virgin vow." After quoting
the pedigree, he continues: — "Alicia secunda fuit Abbatissa
de Romsey et obiit professa et sine herede de se que tamen
habuit exitum, viz., Ricardum de la bere." In his own
words Gerard adds : — " The family of De la Bere, however
thay came out of a nun's lapp and parted with a great part
of their estate unto heires generall, yet they flourished long
86 Records of Romsey Abbey.
in great good note in Herefordshire and were feodaries to
the Bohuns heretofore Earls of Hereford."
Here is a pretty scandal, and one the more unlikely at
this early date, about which there is not a breath in the
Archbishop's visitation. An examination of the inquiries,
made by the King's oiificers as to heirs at the death of an
owner of property, known as " Inquisitio post mortem,"
disposes of the scandal and proves it groundless. There
are a number of these inquisitions relating to different
members of the family. One was taken in 1309-10, when
a dispute arose as to whether Alan de Plukenet, the
grandson of Alice, nee Walerand, was heir to the property
of the family. The children of one Cecily, who it was
said was a sister of Alice, claimed against Alan. These
persons denied the existence of any Alice, except the
Abbess of Romsey. The Court however held differently
and declared that there were two Alices, one the Abbess
and the other the mother of Alan, and that he was born in
lawful wedlock.
A very special inquiry was made in 1353, which went
very carefully into the whole matter. A Thomas de la
Bere, great grandson of Richard, the Abbess's nephew,
claimed a property which had formerly belonged to her
other nephew, Alan de Plukenet, Richard's younger brother.
The Crown on the other side claimed the property, it being
said that Alan was a foreigner and a bastard. Thomas
denies this stoutly, and the Justices of Assize appear to
have agreed with him, for they give their verdict on his
side, and say that Alan was born in Dorset, at Thornton,
of Andrew de la Bere and Alice his wife, sister of William
Walerand and Robert his brother, of the English nation in
lawful wedlock, and is not a foreigner or a bastard. They
further trace back the pedigree of Thomas de la Bere to
his great grandfather, and say that the latter was brother
The 13TH Century Abbesses. 87
of Alan Plukenet, or Plogenet, as it is sometimes spelt.
This verdict of contemporary evidence, given moreover to
the disadvantage of the Crown, is better than that of an
"old parchment," of uncertain date, quoted by a post-
Reformation antiquary. The confusion probably arose
from the Abbess and her married sister bearing the same
name.
Alan was a person of much importance at Court, as
may be gathered from the following extract from Dugdale's
Baronage. "In 1296-7 the King, Edward I, being in
Flanders, and constituting Edward, his son, Governor in
his absence, this Alan, being a person highly esteemed for
his wisdom and military knowledge, was appointed one of
his assistants for advice therein."
If little gratitude is due to Gerard for handing on the
scandal, he has done good service by recording the burial-
place of the Abbess. " She is," he adds, " buried in the
south part of the choir before the altar of S. Anne, ' matris
Marie.' " It may therefore be supposed that the south
choir aisle apse held S. Anne's altar.
REFERENCES.
Patent and Close Rolls.
B. M. Lansdowne, No. 442.
Ancient Deeds, B. 10908. [Public Record Office.]
Inquisitiones Post Mortem.
Feet of Fines. — Hants.
B. M., Harl., 807.
De Banco Roll, 347, m. 238.
Gerard's Survey of Somerset. [Somerset Record Society.]
Wilts Archaeological Association.
Hoare's History of Wiltshire.
Shore's History of Hampshire.
Injunctions of Abp. Peckham. [Rolls Series.]
Spence's Romsey Abbey.
Nichol's Topographer and Genealogist.
Dugdale's Baronage.
CHAPTER VI.
A.D. 1298— 1333.
EARLY EPISCOPAL VISITATIONS.
"All these things shall be read and recited
in chapter before the. whole convent, at least
once a month, until they be all executed."
Injunctions of Bp. JOHN DS PONTOISE.
Chapter VI.
EARLY EPISCOPAL VISITATIONS.
"T^HE office of an abbess carried with it both honour and
power, her pastoral staff, her separate lodging, the
minute order and ceremonies observed at her election and
installation, the honour shewed her whenever she appeared
amongst her sisters, all combined to proclaim the dignity
and power of her office. These externals of office were
not meaningless, nor were they a thing apart, they pro-
claimed and enforced one of the essential features of the
monastic life, that of order, rule and obedience. The idea
of monasticism, of a well-ordered household living under
rule for the honour of God, could not be maintained
without the Head of the House. The welfare of a convent
therefore depended on the Abbess, and to a considerable
extent upon the character and ability of the lady who was
at any time appointed. It must then have been a mis-
fortune to Romsey that changes should have been so
frequent or that the ruler should have fallen into ill-health,
as happened in the early part bf the fourteenth century.
Four abbesses succeeded between 1298 and 1333 :
Phillipa de Stokes (1298 — 1307), Clemencia de Guldeford
(1307 — 1314). Alicia de Wyntereshulle (1315), Sybil
Carbonel (131S — 1333)- The first two fell into bad
health or became infirm after about six years of rule, and
92 Records of Romsey Abbey.
attorneys in each case were appointed to carry on the
business of the house. A grave misfortune happened to
the Convent when AHcia de Wynt-ereshulle was appointed ;
she survived but a few months (jth February — May), when
she was poisoned by some miscreants. How and for what
reason the crime was committed does not appear. The
Crown appointed a commission to inquire into it on
28th May, consisting of Henry le Scrop, John Dabernoun,
and John Bluet, and on nth July, John Randolph took the
place of John Dabernoun. In the latter writ the wording
runs, " touching the persons who plotting the death of
Alicia de Wyntereshulle, late Abbess of Romsey, caused
her to be drugged."
The Bishop (Henry Woodlock) wrote an indignant
letter : — " To our beloved the Archdeacon of Winchester.
We have heard with horror a story propagated by some
unknown sons of iniquity, as scandalous as it is malicious
and false, defaming our convent of Romsey in general, and
especially the good memory of Alicia de Wyntereshulle,
late Abbess thereof, accusing them of plotting her death by
drugging, whereby these vile detractors have incurred
the punishment of the greater excommunication. We
therefore, in order to put a stop to such malicious and
defamatory attempts in future, order that they be excom-
municated accordingly in the said monastery as well as in
other churches in your Archdeaconry, and in the vulgar
tongue, to the intent that the matter may be fully under-
stood by all, at the time of the solemn Mass, by ringing of
bells, lighting of candles, and again extinguishing them,
each Lord's day and festival. You shall denounce them
and cause others to do likewise." There is no date to this
letter, and the only explanation that can be given is that
the Abbess died through the machinations of some
miscreants, but that she and her sisters and the officials
Early Episcopal Visitations. 93
and servants of the convent were not only guiltless of
ill-doing, but also of any scandalous living.
The rule of the next Abbess, Sybil Carbonel, w^as
longer than that of any of her predecessors, and lasted
eighteen years ; it appears to have been quite uneventful ;
perhaps she is to be congratulated on having no history.
In no one case can the families of these ladies be exactly
identified ; but the Wyntereshulles at this time held
property at Bramley near Guildford, in the county of
Surrey, and one of them was Sheriff of Southampton in
1259, and another, probably his son, in 1270-72.
Whilst little is known about these Abbesses, a fresh
source of information about the internal condition of the
nunnery becomes available. Before the last quarter of the
thirteenth century, there are no episcopal registers of
the diocese from which information may be drawn. It is
said that the books before Bishop John de Pontoise's
Episcopate have been lost ; in any case they are not to be
found in the Bishop's registry, but from 1282 and onwards
the registers continue without a break, except for a lost
book of Bishop Beaufort's, covering the years 1416-1447.
From these registers a good deal of information can be
gleaned ; they give the appointments of clergy, whether
canons or vicars ; they describe with elaborate detail the
election of abbesses, and in some cases they yield the
names of the sisters who formed the community, adding
the titles of those who were officers. At one time a
license for the removal of a body to a more honourable
place of burial is given ; at another a dispute as to the use
of the church by the townspeople is settled ; but the chief
interest of these registers is to be found in the visitations
of the religious house by the bishops.
The Diocesan had the right of visitation in Romsey
Abbey. After service he entered the Chapter House,
94 Records of Romsey Abbey.
questioned the sisters as to any irregularities, and formu-
lated the results in a set of Injunctions, which were sent
to the Abbess to be read frequently in Chapter, that faults
might be corrected. There are a good many of these Visi-
tation Injunctions still extant, which were published between
the 14th and i6th centuries, and they throw some light on
the condition of the Monastery during two hundred and
fifty years. But it must be borne in mind that they dwell
solely upon the faults of the community and not upon the
virtues, and therefore give but a one-sided view of the state
of the house. What is virtuous and good and regular is
left unrecorded, whilst what is evil and irregular and faulty
is prominently brought forward, that it may be corrected.
This fact must always be borne in mind in reading Visita-
tion Injunctions, lest an unjust and unfair view be taken of
the monastic life. Bishop John de Pontoise made a
Visitation in 1302, and his successor, Bishop Woodlock,
in 131 1. Their Injunctions are not altogether unlike those
issued by Archbishop Peckham, when he visited the Abbey
c. 1282, indeed, his articles are expressly referred to.
In the first of these Visitations, made during the time
of Phillipa de Stokes, serious fault is found in matters
relating to the business of the house, such as rendering the
accounts, keeping the seal, and the letting of the land.
Some of the servants had given trouble, and some slack-
ness in observing the etiquette in the departments of the
pantry, buttery, and bakery had crept in, the rule of
Monasteries in these matters being very precise. More
serious is the reference made to nuns staying with friends
in the town, a practice which is noticed again and again in
later times ; but the most serious matter is the late rising of
the Convent, and the irregular hours at which the divine
offices were said. Still there is nothing scandalous, and the
Convent, no doubt, continued a steady and peaceful obser-
Early Episcopal Visitations. 95
vance of the rules of Saint Benedict, distributed its alms,
and entertained strangers as in duty bound, — troubled
somewhat by a want of energy in its ruler, who was be-
coming infirm, and unable to discharge the very responsible
duties of her office, on which so much depended.
In the record of the Visitation, made by Bishop
Woodlock some nine years later, when Clemencia de
Guldeford was Abbess, many of the former recommenda-
tions occur again, indeed, the Bishop expressly refers to
his predecessor's monitions, but there are some new points.
Secular persons, many of whom appear to have taken up
their lodging within the convent, or at least within the
precincts, are to be sent away, and no seculars are to be
admitted at all to the Mass celebrated in the Infirmary.
The Infirmary at Romsey had, as in the case of most
monasteries, a separate chapel for the sick, that at Romsey
being dedicated in honour of Saint Andrew. Provision is
made for the exercise of convalescents in the garden, and
for a supply of proper food for the patients. A burial is to
be carried out at the expense of the Abbey,"for a nun should
have no property for such a purpose." Courtesy is again
enlarged upon, and the younger ladies are to be chastized
for rebelliousness.
A passage about children is of much interest, showing
that Romsey was still an educational establishment, and
that there was need of care lest the constant presence
of children should interfere with the Sisters' attention to
their religious rule of silence and worship. Miss Mary
Bateson in " Mediaeval England " quotes a visitation in-
junction made for Romsey with regard to pet animals.
She says : " The prevalent passion for pet animals which
infected both sexes, and the lay as well as the religious,
was commented upon in visitations of monks and nuns
wherever it had become a nuisance to some of the inmates.
96 Records of Romsey Abbey.
The Abbess of Romsey stinted her nuns to provide for her
dogs and monkeys."
The large number of nuns is complained of. It was
supposed that at the new foundation under King Edgar
there were one hundred, so at least says Peter de Langtoft,
writing about this time. In 1333, on the death of Sybil
Carbonel, there were exactly ninety-one ladies in the
Convent, it would seem, therefore, that the numbers in
Bishop Woodlock's day may have exceeded one hundred.
The numbers, however, soon fell, and before many years
were past the Convent shrank still further, and never
recovered its former estate.
With so large a community, and under an Abbess
who very shortly became infirm, it is not surprising that
some matters required correction, but of any grave scandal
not a word is heard, and as no monitions were issued at
the next Visitation by Bishop Orlton in 1334, it may be
supposed that during Sybil Carbonel's reign all was well.
It is, of course, possible that the latter Bishop's Injunctions
have been lost, but his visitation is described in the register,
and no Injunctions are appended.
The Crown made an important concession in 1307. A
promise was given that during the next vacancy, on the
death of PhilHpa de Stokes, the Prioress should have
custody of the property, and the Crown's officials should
not take it into their hands. This consideration was
followed up in 13 16 by a perpetual concession of this
privilege. The Abbey, however, had to pay a fine of
;^20 (say ;^44o) for the first month of the vacancy, and
if it lasted longer, then they " should pay beyond the said
£20 at the rate of that sum for the time in which the
vacancy should happen to last." The Crown also re-
served the Knights' fees and the right of presenting to
the churches which might fall vacant. But the concession
Early Episcopal Visitations. 97
was worth having, owing to the destructions, wastes, and
damage done in the woods, forests, and other belongings
of the Abbey by the hands of the Crown officials.
" Knights' fees " were an important feature in feudal
tenure, " the obligation of the Knight's service was to
furnish a fully armed horseman to serve at his own
expense for forty days." A very carefully drawn up list
of Romsey lands was kept by the Crown officers, and in
this century the Abbess was frequently ordered to send
her service to the North. In 1309 a muster is called for
at Newcastle, and again in 13 16; are-summons occurs in
the next year, and in 13 18 there is a summons to send
against the Scots, the muster being at York; and in 1322
the Abbess is requested to raise as many men-at-arms and
foot soldiers as she can against the rebels, or adherents of
the Earl of Lancaster, the place of muster being Coventry.
What number of Knights the Abbess of Romsey was
liable for does not appear ; the meaning of Knights' fees,
whether in part discharged by money payments, and
whether every five hides of property was in all cases liable
to supply a knight, is not clear ; if the latter were the case
the Romsey contingent must have been of importance.
In Hampshire alone the Abbey held over twenty-five
hides, to say nothing of the Wiltshire property.
The Convent continued to be held in esteem by those
who desired to follow the life of a Religious, and by those
who wished to dedicate their daughters to such a life ; this
may be gathered from a repetition, by Bishop Stratford, of
the order that more nuns were not to be received. Bishop
Woodlock had ordered, according to a right yielded to the
Bishop on the new creation of an Abbess, that a lady,
Isolda de Roches, should be received as a nun and sister
at his nomination ; his order is dated the 20th November,
1307. In his Visitation of 13 11, he forbids additions.
98 Records of Romsey Abbey.
the proper number being exceeded ; and again in 1327
[27th October] Bishop Stratford writes : — " It is notorious
that their house was burdened with ladies beyond the
established number which used to be kept ; and he has
heard that they are being pressed to receive more young
ladies (damoyseles) as nuns ; he orders them strictly that
no young lady, received by them, be veiled, nor any other
received until the Bishop shall have visited them, which
will be very shortly, or until they have special orders from
him."
The special orders followed quickly, for on the 1st of
July, 1328, the Bishop gives a permission: — "We have
heard that, at the request of Master John de Scures, they
are willing to receive Katherine, daughter of ' nostre cher
Vadlet' {i.e., dependent or servant), Robert de Warham, as
nun, if they have the Bishop's leave ; and since he cannot
visit them as soon as they expected, and does not wish any
longer to delay carrying out their wish in this matter, he
gives them leave to receive and give her the veil, if they
can do it without damage to the house, notwithstanding
any other order from him." A few days later follows yet
another letter dated 17th July, 1328. The Bishop writes:
" Understanding that the Archbishop, after being raised to
that dignity has the right of making one nun in the
monastery of Romsey," the Bishop asks for the admission
of Denise de la Rye, whose manners and conversation have
been oftentimes commended to him. Again, five years
later, on the death of Sybil Carbonel, Bishop Stratford
exercises his right, when a new Abbess was created, and
grants his favour to Alice, daughter of John de Hamptone,
his steward (23rd of October, 1333) ; he claims, on the
26th of November following, the right to nominate another
because of " the profession of ladies of that house " which
he had lately made, and appoints Jouette de Stretford " en
regard de charitd."
Early Episcopal Visitations. 99
Nor were the Bishop and Archbishop the only persons
who, up to this time, claimed the privilege, evidently one of
some value, of nominating a nun, for the family of le Rous
of Inmere, in Wilts, held the like right, which they now
resigned. The words of the deed are : " A release to the
Abbey of Romsey of a right, which the releasor had
claimed, to present two nuns to be veiled in the said Abbey
with a valect " (i.e., a servant, perhaps maidservant in this
case), " to be likewise maintained there," etc. (September,
1313)-
From a long list of the nuns, dated 1333, taken with
the above nominations, it may be gathered that the country
gentlefolk and the officials of bishops and nobles found
in Romsey a home for many of their daughters. The
popularity of the Abbey suggests that it was still doing
good work in the matter of education or, at least, that it
played an important part in the life of the better class
families in the diocese.
There was a great dearth in England during years
13 1 5-21, and it is possible that some diminution in fruits
and rents may have led to a permissipn being granted to
Romsey to appropriate to the Convent's use the Rectory
of Itchenstoke, of which they were Patrons, 6th April, 13 17.
By appropriation, the Convent obtained the greater tithes
for their own use, the lesser ones being left for the Vicar,
who should be appointed ; hence the distinction between
rectors and vicars.
REGISTER OF BISHOP JOHN DE PONTOISE.
InJUNCCIONES AbBATISSE DE RUMSEV.
Visitacio Abbatisse et Conventus de Romeseie (1302). The
Bishop having found certain things to be corrected, he wills and
commands : — First, whereas in the last visitation he ordered that
an account should be rendered twice in the year, and at the ending
loo Records of Romsey Abbey.
of the account, the state of the house should be declared by the
auditors of the convent or at least by the seniors of the convent,
which in the present visitation he has found wholly omitted, he
orders under pain of excommunication that such account be
rendered, in future once in the year, and at the ending of the same,
the state of the house be declared before the whole convent in
chapter.
Item, that the convent should rise earlier than they were used
to do, and sing Matins and other Hours at the proper hours of the
day, so that High Mass should always be celebrated before the
ninth hour ; all the chaplains are forbidden under pain of suspen-
sion to presume to celebrate after the ninth hour, but that they
begin Mass at such an hour that they can well celebrate before
the ninth hour.
Item, that in receipt and distribution of the rents, two of the
most able and discreet ladies be joined to the prioress, by
consent of the larger and saner part of the whole convent, and
by their counsel the rents be divided between the ladies, and
expended in the usual manner.
Item, that all the usual pittances, distributed among the ladies,
be distributed without any diminution in future at the usual
terms, and especially those pittances which the bishop found
subtracted, namely, one of (id. to each lady yearly on the
feast of S. Martin, and another of bd. likewise to each lady when
blood is let.
Item, that the doors of the cloister and dormitory be more
strictly and better kept and closed.
Item, whereas from the bad keeping of the common seal many
evils to the house have hitherto happened, as the Bishop has now
learnt from experience of the fact, and also may happen unless
wholesome remedy be applied, three at least of the discreeter
ladies be appointed by the Abbess and the larger and saner part
of the convent, to keep the seal, and when any letter shall be
sealed with the common seal in the chapter before the whole
convent, it shall be read and explained in an intelligible tongue to
Early Episcopal Visitations. ioi
all the ladies, publicly, distinctly, and openly, and afterwards
sealed in the same chapter, not in corners or secretly as has
hitherto been the custom, and signed as it was read, so that what
concerns all may be approved by all, which done the seal shall be
replaced in the same place under the said custody.
Item, a useless, superfluous, quarrelsome, and incontinent
servant and one using insolent language to the ladies shall be
removed within a month from the reception of these presents, and
especially John Chark, who has often spoken ill and con-
tumaciously in speaking to and answering the ladies, unless he
correct himself, so that no more complaints be made to the
Bishop.
Item, that the good customs and courtesies hitherto observed
among the ladies, as of the pantry, the buttery and the bakery, be
in no way lessened (subtrahantur) in the future, but from day to
day, be kept.
Item, it is forbidden to eat, drink, or spend the night in the
town of Romsey with any religious or secular person, and the
Abbess shall not grant licence to any religious lady, to the
contrary.
Item, the Abbess shall not sell any corrodies or grant any
pensions, without asking the counsel and assent of the bishops.
Item, no immovable goods of the Monastery, and especially
those nine acres of land with a meadow, which have newly come
to their hands, shall be alienated at farm unless to the greater
utility of the Monastery, and by the express wish and assent of
the whole convent.
All these things shall be read and recited in chapter, before
the whole convent, at least once a month until they be all executed,
as is expedient.
Dated at Wolvesey, Wednesday next before the feast of
S. Peter in the chair (22nd February), 1302.
I02 Records of Romsey Abbey.
REGISTER OF BISHOP HENRY WOODLOCK.
Decretum de Romesey [folio 153].
I. — Mass of the Blessed Virgin and Mass in the infirmary,
celebrated daily, shall be begun so early in the morning that the
ladies in the same shall not be at all hindered from other Masses
to be sung solemnly — and at the Mass of the Blessed Virgin,
eight nuns at least "in dies intitulentur,'' who shall come to Mass
before the beginning of the Kyrie, without delay, so that they
who come later (tardius) to the said Mass shall be subjected to
the same penalty as those who do not observe silence. And lest,
in hearing Masses, it happen that the devotion of the nuns be
hindered by a concourse of secular persons, we, on pain of greater
excommunication, firmly prohibit permission to seculars of any
condition or sex, living within the precincts of the Monastery, to
enter to hear Mass celebrated in the infirmary, as they have
hitherto been accustomed to do.
2. — Item, the Convent shall rise earlier than is accustomed
for the office of matins, and shall sing the other canonical hours
at the due and stated times, so that High Mass be commonly
celebrated before the ninth hour ; their chaplains are forbidden,
on pain of suspension, to celebrate after the ninth hour, except on
fast days.
3. — Following the footsteps of Robert, Archbishop of Canter-
bury, because of the continual sojourn of seculars, we find the
tranquillity of the nuns to be much disturbed and scandals to
arise in your monastery, ordered (on pain of excommunication
and deposition of the Abbess, Prioress, and greater officials of
the Convent, if they be found disobedient or negligent in this),
that secular women, married and single (coniugatas et solutas),
staying there, from the time of the receipt of the presents, shall
be wholly removed from the Abbey without hope of return.
4. — Recalling to their memory, the statutes of John, the
Bishop's predecessor, ordered that the officials and ministers of
the house render an account of their administration once in the
year, before auditors specially appointed for this, and at the ending
Early Episcopal Visitations. 103
of the same, the state of the house shall be declared before the
whole Convent in Chapter.
5- — Because it is fitting that what concerns all be approved of
by all, ordered that the common seal be kept under three keys in
the keeping of three ladies. And when any letter is to be sealed
with it, it shall first be read in chapter in an intelligible tongue,
before sealing and after, publicly and openly, on pain of deposi-
tion of the abbess, prioress, sub-prioress, and elders of the
convent. No alienations of lands, possessions, liveries, or other
greater things shall be made without the bishop's license, specially
sought and obtained.
6. — According to the ordinance of the bishop's predecessors,
ordered that in receipt and distribution of rents, two of the most
able and discreet ladies be joined with the prioress, by whose
advice the said rents shall be expended, in the accustomed way ;
usual pittances to the ladies, to be distributed without any
diminution, and especially those which our predecessor found
withdrawn (subtractas), viz., one of 6d. which each lady used to
receive when blood is let, and one of 6d. which used to be
distributed, to each lady yearly, at the feast of S. Martin.
7. — The doors of the cloister (of) the dormitory shall be kept
at the proper hours and closed, and especially after compline, all
seculars being excluded; no lady shall eat, drink or spend the
night in the town of Romsey outside the precincts of the
monastery. Item, cum Religionis perfectio ad caritatis opera
finaliter ordinetur, ordered that for digging a grave and
preparation of the coffin for burial of the body of a nun
who has died, and for pittances to the sisters on the day of burial,
the goods of the deceased nun shall not be expended, because she
ought not to have private property, but the common goods of
the church shall be spent. Other good customs shall be observed,
as of bread and beer, so that bread shall be wholly brought back
to the proper weight and quality and quantity hitherto used.
8. Because we have found your church burdened by the
multitude of nuns, ordered on pain of deposition of the abbess.
I04 Records of Romsey Abbey.
prioress and other officials, that no nun be received among you
until your collegium be of the number first appointed.
9. — Item, because they are unaware that, amongst the vows of
Religion, the vow of obedience is the greater, ordered that the
younger ladies reverently obey the seniors and especially suis
presidentibus, and if any rebels are found they shall be atrius
corripiantur in chapter before all, and the fault growing, the
penalty of disobedience shall be increased. No nun who has
been tacitly or expressly professed, and has come to legal age,
a tractibus communibus per contemptum exdudatur.
10. — Item, ordered that sufficient food be provided, according
to the possibilities {^facilitates) of the monastery, for the sick who
cannot use the common food, by the Abbess and others appointed
to the care of the sick, and that those who are still well {sane),
now these, now those, not always the same, should be called to
the Abbess's table for recreation.
II. — There shall be an entrance into the garden by a gate
or postern for the sick, in an inconspicuous place {in loco non
suspecto), for their recreation and solace. Nuns who have been
bled shall be allowed to enter the cloister if they wish. Chaplains
of the Abbey shall be prevented {arceantur) frequent access to
the infirmary, by the Abbess and other presidents, so that they
shall not come there without necessary cause or unless specially
called by the Abbess and other presidents of the order.
12.' — There shall not be in the dormitory with the nuns any
children, either boys or girls, nor shall they be led by the nuns
into the choir while the divine office is celebrated. Curtains
shall be removed for ever from before the beds of the nuns.
13. — No keepers of woods, reapers, or beadles {messores aut
bedelli) shall be appointed for hfe, but at the will of the Abbess
and steward as appears most expedient. No women servants shall
remain unless of good conversation and honest. Pregnant, incon-
tinent, quarrelsome women and those answering the nuns contu-
maciously, all superfluous and useless servants, to be removed
within a month from the time of the receipt of these presents.
Early Episcopal Visitations. 105
AH these premisses, the Bishop has caused to be translated into
French, that they may more easily understand them ; they shall
be recited before all, in Chapter, in the week next (week) after the
Feast of S. Michael, and in Septuagesima, and on the fourth
weekday (ebdomada) after Easter, and the first weekday (ebdomada)
of July, and inquiry shall then be made of the non-observance
of the same, and those thus guilty shall be punished by the
penalties, inserted in these statutes, or by other penalties when
none are certainly expressed.
Sealed. Dated at Dounton, 23rd March 131 1, sixth year of
consecration.
Memorandum that loth March, 1310, at Esshere, the Abbess
and Convent of Romsey were written to, for a visitation
of Henry, Bishop of Winchester, on Monday next after the Feast
of S. Gregory, Pope, in the accustomed manner.
REFERENCES.
Parliamentary Writs and Surveys.
The Episcopal Registers of Winchester.
CHAPTER VII.
A.D. 1333—1349-
THE GREAT PESTILENCE.
' ' A voice in Rama has been heard ; much
weeping and crying has sounded throughout
the countries of the globe."
Bp. William de Edyndon's Pastoral Letter.
Chapter VII.
THE GREAT PESTILENCE.
'pHE last year of Bishop John de Stratford's Episcopate,
1333, witnessed the election of a new Abbess of
Romsey. Few events of great importance are on record
during this lady's life, but at her death a great blow fell
upon the Abbey from which it never wholly recovered.
The preceding Abbess, Sybil Carbonel, died on the
1st of June, 1333, and was buried eight days later. Three
weeks after her death the nuns gathered in the Chapter
House according to custom, and settled on the 25th June
as the day for the election of a new Abbess. The election
of the head of a house was a weighty business, and some-
times occupied many weeks. The licence of the King had
to be obtained, and no doubt, when the Chapter met on
the 25th June, some persons had already journeyed to and
from the Court to announce the death and obtain the
conge d 'e'lire, or licence to elect.
All members of the Convent who had a voice in
Chapter were summoned to the election ; on this occasion
it was found that Sir Richard de Lusteshull, canon and
prebendary, and some of the nuns were absent. The other
canon and prebendary of Romsey, however. Master Richard
de Chaddesley, was present in his own name and also as
proxy for the remaining prebendary, Master Robert de
Stratford, the incumbent of Edington Rectory. With
no Records of Romsey Abbey.
Master Richard were ninety-one nuns — they are all named,
and the full list with the officers is printed below.
A letter from the Prioress Agnes de Stanlegh, describing
the election for the Bishop's information, gives a graphic
account of the customary proceedings. " The word of God
having been propounded, the grace of the Holy Spirit
devoutly invoked, the hymn ' Veni creator spiritus ' sung,
and the constitutions of general councils read, ' Quia propter
Indempnitatibus monasteriorum, etc.,' a warning was given
to all under suspension and interdict, and all who had no
right in the election, to go out, which was done by Master
John Leech, who was constituted spokesman. The election
was then proceeded with."
There were three methods of election, says Dr. Gasquet,
(i) by individual election, " electio per viam scrutinii,"
each member of the community voting separately and
secretly, (2) by the choice of a certain number, or even
of one eminent person to elect in the name of the com-
munity, a mode of election known as " electio per compro-
missum," and (3) by acclamation or the uncontradicted
declaration of the common wish of the body.
All three methods were used or attempted at one time
or another by the sisters of Romsey, but on this occasion
they chose the first. Prioress Agnes continues : " They
unanimously chose as ' Scrutatores ' Master Richard de
Chaddesley, prebendary of the Church, Cecily de Blontes-
done and Agnes de Brommore, nuns, to whom they gave
power to take the votes of all, secretly and singly, first their
own, and then those of the others present, reduce them to
writing and declare them. The ' Scrutatores ' retired to
one part of the Chapter House, associating with themselves
Master John de Leech and Master John Ace, notary public,
by consent of all present, who took the votes, reduced them
to writing and published them. This being done Alice de
The Great Pestilence. hi
Persshete and Alice Mounceaux, nuns, previously absent,
though called to the election, entered the Chapter House
and consented to the premisses. The greater part of the
whole Chapter and Convent had voted for Joan Icthe,
thirty years old and more, born of lawful wedlock, expressly
professed, whom Agnes de Stanlegh solemnly elected."
"After singing Te Deum laudamus," the prioress con-
tinues, " we carried the elect, bashful and holding back, to
the high altar of our church, and laid her there ; the same
psalm and a certain prayer having been said over her,
immediately the election was declared before the clergy
and people by Master Walter de Penes, clerk, first in the
choir and afterwards in the nave. The election having
been presented to the elect by Cecily de Blontesdone, she
was asked to consent to it on the Saturday following, 26th
June, on which day after much persuasion she consented,
and the King (Edward III) gave his consent."
The business, however, was by no means as yet com-
plete. Richard de Chaddesley, acting for the Bishop as
Vicar-General, orders the official of the Archdeacon on
4th July, 1333, to cite any opposers to appear at Andover
on the first lawful day after the feast of St. Margaret (20th
July), which day was a Wednesday. The Prioress and
Convent appeared by their Proctor, Thomas de Wordy, the
Abbess-elect appeared in person, and no opposers seem to
have presented themselves. The deeds of the election,
eight in all, were produced, and the next legal day after
the feast of the Blessed Mary Magdalene (22nd July) was
appointed for the publication of them, which, after long and
solemn discussion, was done, and the election confirmed.
Immediately the Te Deum was sung, prayer was made
over the Abbess, and she took the oath of canonical
obedience to the Bishop and his successors and ministers
on the holy gospels before the high altar of the Church
of Andover.
112
Records of Romsey Abbey.
This was on 23rd July, but it was the 3rd of September
before the Bishop gave orders that Joan Icthe should be
inducted into corporal possession of the monastery, and
should have assigned to her a stall in choir and a place in
chapter in the accustomed manner ; at the same time the
Bishop ordered the prioress and convent to be obedient to
the Abbess as members to the head, giving her obedience,
reverence, and honour in all due things as is fitting.
Sisters of Romsey
AT THE
Election of Abbess Johanna Icthe, 2STH June, 1333.
Agnes de Stanlegh, prioress.
Joan Gernays, sub-prioress.
Alice de Roppeligh, sextoness.
Joan Icth, cellaress.
Olive Beaufou, chantress.
Agnes de Brommore.
Cecily de Blontesdone.
Ela Croupes.
Ellen Baa.
Alice de Roucestre.
Agatha de Wynton.
Katharine de Grymstede.
Beatrice Beaufou.
Amice Bluet.
Margaret Prime.
Agnes Beaufou.
Alice de Waltham.
Sarra Okly.
Alice Brembelsshete.
Margaret de Tydeleshide.
Lucy Gower.
Maud de Grimstede.
Margiry Deneys.
Margaret Pojnitz.
Amice Malure.
Joan de Farnlington.
Amice de Forstebury.
Joan de Compton.
Alice Levynton.
Katharine Joevene.
Joan Poyntz.
Joan Beaufou.
Agatha Bekk.
Joan Payn.
Beatrice Neyvill.
Isabel de Hameldone.
Margaret FitzWarin.
Amice de Wynhale.
Eugenia Chartres.
Margaret Tracy.
Margaret Warblynton.
Alice de Graveneye.
Katherine de Aysshelonde.
Margiry de Buttesthorn.
Isolda Roches.
Maud Trenchard.
The Great Pestilence.
"3
Agnes de Wynton.
Joan de Roppelye.
Agnes Waram.
Hawyse LuflFeguave.
Denise Golaffre.
Alice de Wynton.
Isabel de Staunford.
Mary de Roppelye,
Alice de Thuddene.
Margiry Forestir.
Elizabeth Syfrewast.
Joan de Sparkeford.
Margaret Pauncefot.
Margiry atte Rye.
Joan Boyton[er].
Joan Purie.
Isabel P'raunceys.
Julia de Romesye.
Christine Okham.
Emma Doignel.
Maud de Roppelye.
Elizabeth Silvayn.
Christine Brikevill.
Muriele Cotele.
Katharine de Donton.
Margaret de Westover.
Eleanor Rude.
Christine Bromham.
Katharine Warham.
Joan de Totteford.
Joan Carbonel.
Alice Carbonel.
Joan de Enedford.
Edith Eymer.
Alice de Anne.
Constance Wauncy.
Joan de Tystede.
Joan de Wynterbourne.
Katharine Warham.
Alice de Cicestre.
Petronilla de Wendlesworth.
Margaret Fokeram.
Isabel Walraund.
Alice de Persshete.
Alice Mounceaux.
The large number of nuns at this election shows that
Romsey had fairly kept up its state from the time of its
foundation, when tradition says it numbered a hundred
ladies. This tradition is preserved in the words of Peter
de Langtoft (who died early in the fourteenth century)
concerning King Edgar : —
" Mikille he wirschiped God, and served our Lady ;
The Abbey of Rumege he faffed richely.
With rentes full gode and kirkes of pris.
He did ther in of Nunnes a hundreth ladies."
The members of the community here, as in other places,
were mainly recruited from the county gentle-folk. If it
114 Records of Romsey Abbey.
were possible to trace these ladies' families, an interesting
picture of the country side in the middle ages would be
presented, but this is impossible without a wide knowledge
of county records, and perhaps impossible at all. A few
families may be guessed at. Alice de Brembelsshete,
or Bramshot, belonged no doubt to a family of that place
who are spoken of both in the thirteenth and fourteenth
centuries. Margery de Buttesthorne may have been the
daughter of Roger de Buttesthorne of Ringwood. In
the latter part of the century (1372) Joan, daughter and
heir of Richard de Buttesthorne, was Patron of Minstead in
the New Forest. Johanna de Compton — the Patent Rolls,
1343-5, mention a Sir John of the Isle of Wight. Isabella
Fraunceys — there was a Mayor of Winchester of this name
mentioned in the Charters of Selborne Priory in 1323.
The Grymstedes belonged to Brockenhurst ; a Thomas
de Grymstede about this date had dealings in respect of
the Manor of Terstwood, just below Romsey, and thirty
years later John de Grymstede died possessed of Plaitford
Manor and holding the wardenship of Milchet Park.
Margaret Pauncefote — from early times this family held
lands on the west side of Romsey and continued land
owners for centuries there. The name has survived in the
farm on the road to the Forest — Pauncefoot Hill. A John
Pauncevot held lands at Mayhnestone (Mainstone) in 13 18.
Johanna Payn — the Payns held land at King's Som-
borne and at Winchester. Andrew and his son Robert
are both spoken of in the early part of the century. Alice
de Thuddene— Bishop Woodlock appointed a John de
Thuddene his marshal at the beginning of the century, and
he was succeeded by his son Walter in Bishop Stratford's
time. The former was also the Bishop's bailiff at Walt-
ham. Katharine Warham — Robert Wareham was bailiff
of Winchester in 1330, and this family who lived at
^
iiiK oL'iKK (;aii;. — M.i:j-()ki", Ki-jaii-DiM
A.n, 1886 88.
The Great Pestilence. 115
Hannington gave birth in the next century (1450) to one
who became Archbishop of Canterbury (1503 — 1532).
Alice de Persshete was very possibly the daughter of Sir
Nicholas de Persshete (of Spurshot) near Romsey, which
manor lies just across the valley facing the Abbey. This
Knight, says Mr. Baigent, was lord of the manor of
Winterslow, Wilts, and was steward of Hyde Abbey, and
one of the knights of the shire, 1309 — 13. Walter de
Netheravene, chaplain, granted this gentleman a tenement
in Churchstile Street, Romsey, together with los. annual
rent. Julia de Romeseye was doubtless a member of the
Romeseye family, well known both in Somerset and Hants,
whose pedigree is given in another chapter.
One of the officers of the Convent at this time was a
Nicholas de Brayesfeld, or Braishfield as it is now spelt,
a village about three miles north-east of Romsey. He is
described as having the custody of the gate, in other words
the porter. He was a property owner as will appear, and
it may be supposed that the actual work of keeping the
gate was done by deputy or under-official. The gate
stood on the east side of the precincts, facing the Market
Place, where a modern arch has been erected in connection
with the Congregational Church. A photograph of the
gate existing immediately before the building of this
modern archway is given on the opposite page.
The custodian of the gate on 26th August, 133 1, had
a salary which was by no means to be despised. Nicholas
de Brayesfeld drew 365 loaves, 365 gallons of the convent
ale, 365 loaves for servants, 15.?. 2d. for meals from the
kitchen, 55. for a robe, and 19 quarters of bran. A pious
wish on the part of the custodian and his wife Emma to
have divine service celebrated daily for their souls' health,
prompted them to offer to the Abbess and Convent a
messuage and twenty-five acres of meadow in Romsey,
ii6 Records of Romsey Abbey.
together with a release of their right in the gate and its
stipend, if the Abbess would find a chaplain to celebrate.
There appears to have been some hitch in the matter,
perhaps their offer to release their right in the gate proved
an illegal act, or was not acceptable to the Convent ; and
on i6th July, 1332, they offered three and a half acres of
land and two and a half acres of meadow in Romesye to
one Simon de Dounamene, a chaplain, to celebrate divine
service daily in the chapel of S. Nicholas in Romsey Abbey,
for their good estate in life, and for their souls after death.
Nicholas died within a year or two, but his widow sur-
vived him for some years. In 1335 she gave to the Abbess
six messuages and certain lands and rents in Romsey to
find a chaplain in the Abbey to celebrate Divine Service
for the souls of Nicholas, Emma, and all the faithful
departed. In the accounts of the King's bailiff, after the
Suppression, a farm is spoken of, " with garden, dovecot,
land and pasture in Romsey infra, which Nicholas Wethers,
chaplain, lately occupied as parcel of the chantry of the
late Nicholas Braffeld, and which had been granted to John
Foster for life." This is also described as " a messuage,
between the watercourse running to Towne Mill and the
field called Peryton on the east, and Bannyng Street on
the west, with a close (two acres) between Romsey felde
and the river Teste, a close called parsonage acre between
the land near Wodley which John Cocke and William
Holme held, and a close (one acre) next the lands of
John Kychyner and Nicholas Sedgewyke, and abutting
towards the east upon Eve Lane, which messuage and
closes formerly belonged to a chantry founded within the
monastery church of Romsey by John (? Nicholas) Brash-
felde, and lately were in the occupation of John Foster"
[17th December, 1544]. On 6th January, 1343, the same
Emma obtained a faculty from Bishop Orlton to transfer
The Great Pestilence. 117
the body of her father William from the cemetery into the
chapel of S. Nicholas, which she had endowed as a chantry
for the benefit of her own soul and the souls of her parents.
The piety and filial regard of this family of the four-
teenth century is a pleasing picture, and were it possible to
fill in the outline in greater detail, and say who the father
William was, and where the Brashfield chantry stood, the
picture would be of even greater interest.
A considerable number of Saints besides S. Nicholas
were commemorated by the chapels and altars of the
Abbey. The patrons, S. Mary the Blessed Virgin and S.
Ethelfleda, had altars in the Lady Chapel. This chapel
was at first a Norman one, the foundations of which were
discovered by the late Vicar of Romsey, the Rev. E. L.
Berthon, as already described in a former chapter. The
chapel of S. Anne, the mother of Our Lady, was situate
either in the choir aisle or transept chapel on the south
side, and the chapel of S. Nicholas or the Braishfield
chantry may have occupied the other one of these spots.
On the north side in the parish church or nave aisle was
the altar of S. Laurence, and at a rather later time when
the parish church was enlarged there was erected in it the
chantry of S. George. There was also a chapel of S.
Peter near the Abbess' lodging, and a chapel of S. Andrew
within the Infirmary. About the time of the foundation of
the Braishfield chantry Bishop Orlton gave a faculty
(6th December, 1334) for celebrating upon a portable altar
before the image of S. Catherine. This image stood in
the parish church or north aisle of the nave of the Abbey
church.
Bishop Edyndon granted (27th October, 1346) a special
license to Emma de Braishfield to have masses celebrated in
the oratory of her house within the parish of Romsey, to
ii8 Records of Romsey Abbey.
continue at the Bishop's pleasure. Emma de Braishfield's
house was not the only private dwelling in the town which
had an oratory ; Robert Martyn also owned a house with
a like provision, and he too obtained from Bishop Edyndon
(26th January, 1347) a license, "to have masses celebrated
in the oratory of his house in the town of Romeseye, in the
presence of his wife and their free family, by a fit priest,
without prejudice to the parish church, or the right of any
other, during a year only." The Martyns belonged to
Yeovil, and this Robert appears to have been the second
husband of Margaret nie Byset, the widow of John de
Romeseye, through whom he occupied the manor of Rock-
bourne near Fordingbridge. No doubt this house in
Romsey belonged as an inheritance of the Romeseye
family, who held property here for several centuries.
The advent, in 1349, of the Great Pestilence, or Black
Death as it is commonly known, brought desolation to
Romsey Abbey in common with other communities
throughout the country. ^ It is supposed that this awful
scourge originated in China in 1334. Thirteen millions
of persons are believed to have been swept away by the
floods of the Yang-tsi or destroyed by hunger and disease,
and according to the rumours of the time it was the
corruption of unburied corpses which caused the Black
Death. In China the pestilence ended in 1342, but not so
for the rest of the world ; it spread, and being a soil poison
found favourable conditions throughout mediaeval Europe.
This was the age of feudalism and walled towns, with a
cramped and unwholesome manner of life on inhabited
spots of ground, choked with the waste matter of
generations.
The monasteries were especially favourable spots.
Within the walls, under the floor of the chapel or cloisters,
1 From Creighton's History of Epidemics in Great Britain.
The Great Pestilence. 119
were buried not only generations of monks, but often the
bodies of princes, notables, and of great ecclesiastics.
Again, in every parish the house of the priest would have
stood close to the church and churchyard. Thus the
pestilence spread slowly but with a certainty, which would
alone have made it terrifying, taking a whole twelve
months to pass from Dorset to Yorkshire, and exhibiting
its greatest power in walled town, monastery, and in the
neighbourhood of churchyards.
But whilst this pestilence was a soil poison, it is not to
be supposed that it was not directly contagious, it was
virulent, and so contagious that those who touched the
dead, or even the sick, were incontinently infected that they
died, and both penitent and confessor were borne together
to the same grave. It is supposed that the population of
England at this time was not more than five millions, and
that half of this total succumbed. One half of the clergy
in the diocese of York died, and in Hampshire some 200
clergy perished.
The pestilence entered a port in Dorset, said to be
Weymouth, about August, 1348. Bishop William de
Edyndon wrote an eloquent letter to the Prior of S.
Swithun's, Winchester, on the 24th of October following,
and sent similar letters throughout the diocese : —
1 "William, by Divine providence, Bishop, to the Prior and
Chapter of our church of Winchester, health, grace, and bene-
diction. A voice in Rama has been heard ; much weeping and
crying has sounded throughout the countries of the globe.
Nations deprived of their children in the abyss of an unheard
plague, refuse to be consoled because, as is terrible to hear of,
cities, towns, castles, and villages, adorned with noble and hand-
some buildings, and wont, up to the present, to rejoice in an
illustrious -people, in their wisdom and counsel, in their strength,
' The Great Pestilence, Dr. Gasquet.
I20 Records of Romsey Abbey.
and in the beauty of their matrons and virgins ; wherein too,
every joy abounded, and whither, too, multitudes of people
flocked from afar for relief; all these have been already stripped
of their population by the calamity of the said pestilence, more
cruel than any two-edged sword. And into these said places now
none dare enter, but fly afar from them as from the dens of wild
beasts. Every joy has ceased in them ; pleasant sounds are
hushed, and every note of gladness is banished. They have
become abodes of horror and a very wilderness ; fruitful country
places, without the tillers thus carried off, are deserts and
abandoned to barrenness. And news most grave which we report
with the deepest anxiety, this cruel plague as we have heard, has
already begun to afilict the various coasts of the realm of England.
We are struck with the greatest fear lest, which God forbid, the
fell disease ravage any part of our city and diocese. And
although God, to prove our patience, and justly to punish our
sins, often afflicts us, it is not in man's power to judge the Divine
counsels. Still it is much to be feared that man's sensuality,
which, propagated by the tendency of the old sin of Adam, from
youth inclines all to evil, has now fallen into deeper malice and
justly provoked the Divine wrath by a multitude of sins to this
chastisement.
" But because God is loving and merciful, patient, and above
all hatred, we earnestly beg that by your devotion He may ward
off from us the scourge we have so justly deserved, if we now
turn to Him humbly with our whole heart. We exhort you in
the Lord, and in virtue of obedience we strictly enjoin you to
come before the face of God, with contrition and confession of
all your sins, together with the consequent due satisfaction through
the efficacious works of salutary penance. We order further that
every Sunday and Wednesday all of you, assembled together in
the choir of your monastery say the seven Penitential psalms, and
the fifteen gradual psalms, on your knees, humbly and devoutly.
Also on every Friday, together with these psalms, we direct that
you chant the long litany, instituted against pestilences of this
kind by the Holy Fathers, through the Market Place of our City
\'
\u^'
511
n
n
\
\in \
COFFIN I,1D OK ABBESS JOAN ICTHK, A.D. 1349.
Broadlands Collection.
To face p. 120.]
The Great Pestilence. 121
of Winchester, walking in procession together with the clergy and
people of the city. We desire that all should be summoned to
these solemn processions and urged to make use of other devout
exercises, and directed to follow these processions in such a way
that during their course they walk with heads bent down, with
feet bare, and fasting ; whilst with pious hearts they repeat their
prayers and, putting away vain conversation, say as often as
possible the Lord's Prayer and Hail Mary. Also that they should
remain in earnest prayer to the end of the Mass, which at the
end of the procession we desire you to celebrate in your church."
But the diocese did not escape, nor did the Abbey of
Romsey. The Abbess Johanna Icthe died, and the rather
plainly cut coffin slab, still to be seen at the east end of
the Church, probably commemorates her death. Some
few years ago the faint outline of the figure, w^ith a dog at
her feet, under a cross lying above her could be traced.
The accompanying sketch, made in the early part of the
nineteenth century, exhibits the condition of the stone at
that date. There are the remains of the surrounding
inscription still to be seen, which is as follows : —
"Johanna hie jacet humata
Ipsieus anime Christus det premi. . . ."
A later hand has cut in the middle of the slab, "Johanna,
Abbatissa de Romeseye, cir. 1349."
Besides the Abbess, at least one of the Prebendaries,
Richard de Lusteshull, and also two Vicars, Nicholas de
Boteleston and William de Bures, died, the latter only
surviving his appointment for two months ; and of the
nuns no doubt a large proportion. The pestilence, and the
troubles which came in its train, proved fatal to the Convent.
It has been observed by Dr. Gasquet that whilst at the
election of Abbess Johanna in 1333, there were ninety
nuns ; in 1478 their number is found reduced to eighteen,
and they never rose above twenty-five until their final
suppression.
122 Records of Romsey Abbey.
It is impossible to read over the list of sisters given on a
previous page and not to be moved with pity at the thought
of how many of them were suddenly cut off; nor can one
but be struck with the prophetic iitness of the text on
which Bishop Orlton preached in the Chapter House at his
visitation of the sisters fifteen years before, on the 28th of
November, 1334: "They that were ready went in with
Him to the marriage." The grief, terror, and desolation of
the country at large was thus shared by the Convent of
Romsey. Doubtless amongst this large community there
were found noble and holy women who met the trial with
courage and resignation, and possibly the inscription on
her tomb is intended to show how nobly the Mother
behaved in the midst of her daughters, and how she was
looked upon as one of those whom the Heavenly Bride-
groom would welcome amongst the guests at the marriage
feast, giving them their reward.
REFERENCES.
Episcopal Registers.
Patent Rolls.
Creighton's History of Epidemics.
Gasquet's Great Pestilence.
Winchester Cathedral Chartulary.
CHAPTER VIII.
A.D. 1 130 — 1540.
THE CLERGY.
' ' The Church of the fourteenth century
shrivelled into a self-seeking secular priest-
hood."
History of the English People.—]. R. Green.
Chapter VIII.
THE CLERGY.
/^NE or more clergy were attached to monastic
establishments of women, who celebrated divine
service for the sisters. In the case of a large monastery-
like Romsey very ample provision was made, from early
times, for a staff of clergy. Many references to these
officers of the convent, beginning in the twelfth century
and continuing down to the suppression of the Monastery
in the sixteenth century, have survived. The earliest
mention of Romsey clergy occurs in a deed of Abbess
Hadwisa, c. 1 130, in which four Presbyters — Robert, John,
Roger, and Admundus — appear as witnesses together with
Gilbert the Deacon, and the " clericuli (perhaps clergy in
minor orders) of Rumesia, Philip, Walter, Osbert, and the
other Osbert, Nicholas." A little later under Abbess
Juliana, c. 1171, the Chaplain Alan, and Randolph the
Chaplain of the Abbey, are mentioned. In the early part
of the thirteenth century, Ralph and Simon his brother and
Richard de Mannestun are spoken of as Presbyters, and
about the same time Walter Galne and Adam are
described as Chaplains. In a deed of Abbess Cecilia
(1238-47), John de Romeseia and Adam appear described
as Canons of Romesye. The former was also Rector of
Edyndon, Wilts, and the latter was Rector of S. Laurence,
Romeseye.
126 Records of Romsey Abbey.
From later references to the ^ Canons of Romsey, it is
evident that there were three Prebendal stalls in the
Abbey. One is called the Canonry and second Prebend
in the conventual church of Romsey, to which was annexed
the Prebendal Church of Edyndon in the Salisbury
Diocese. Another is described as the Prebend of the
Parish Church of S. Laurence the Greater, in the house or
church of the Monastery of Romsey ; to this was attached
the Church of Tymesbury, situate about two miles higher
up the valley of the Test, and also the Chapel of Immere
or Imber, lying in a hollow of the great chalk plateau four
miles south of Edyndon, or Edington, Wilts. The
remaining Prebend is spoken of as the co-portion of
S. Laurence, and to it were attached certain rents at
Sydmanton in North Hampshire, near Newbury, Berks.
Each of the Prebendaries had a stall in choir and a voice
in chapter, and they regularly exercised their rights at the
election of an abbess, voting either in person or by proxy.
NoN- Residence of Prebendaries.
It may be doubted if the rectors of Edington served
their cures in person. An Edward de Overton was the
cleric at Edington in the time of Prebendary John de
Romesey, 1294, and there was a succession of these vicars
or curates-in-charge.
Prebendary John de Romesey was appointed 1293-4,
having been recommended by Bishop Pontoise to the
Abbess and Convent in 1292. He gave to the Abbey,
soon after his appointment, a ploughland of fifty acres,
situate in Terstwode or La Waude, worth two marks a
year, which appears to have been his entire property in
land. He was no doubt a member of the family of
Romesey, who for several generations held property in
the neighbourhood. His predecessor, John de Berwick,
1 For the succession of clergy vide " List of officers."
The Clergy. 127
appointed in 1286, held Prebends in York, Lichfield and
London, was Rector of Agmondersham, and was also Dean
of Wimborne Minster, where he lies buried. A marble
Altar tomb, now laid flat in the south aisle of the choir
there, has an eighteenth century plate inserted, which
records the traditional belief that it was formerly erected
to his memory, a tradition supported by Leland.
As in the case of Edington, so with Romsey, the
Rectors or Prebendaries did not minister within the parish
and convent, and up to 1321 the Church of S. Laurence
was probably served by Chaplains, but in that year a
distinct provision was made for a permanent and resident
Vicar. The non-residence of Rectors was an evil dealt
with by the Lateran Council (12 13), and the English
Bishops would seem to have insisted upon the appoint-
ment of Vicars in these cases. There are three entries in
Bishop Asser's register, which give a full account of the
■' ordination " as it is called, of the vicarage of Romsey.
On the 9th September, 1321, the Bishop appointed a
perpetual vicarage in the prebendal church of Romsey,
with the consent of Master James de Florencia and Nicho-
las de Maydenstane, Canons and Prebendaries, and also
of the Abbess and Convent, patrons of the said prebends.
On the nth September he instituted Henry de Chulmarke
as Vicar, who was presented to the vicarage by the two
Prebendaries. By this deed the Bishop reserved the right
of taxing the funds belonging to the Prebends, for the
benefit of the Vicarage. On the i8th of November in the
next year, 1322, a deed was drawn up setting out in full
the provision made for the Vicar and his successors — " It
is settled and agreed that the said Vicar and his successors
are to receive, every day, two corrodies, [i.e., an allowance
of food and drink or equivalent money payment,) from the
Abbacy of the said Conventual Church, the same as two
128 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Nuns of the said house would receive, also the tithes of
flax, hemp, apples, pigs, geese, cows, milk, cheese, calves,
colts, pigeons, charcoal, sales of produce, garden curtilages,
and of eggs, confessions and funeral fees and legacies,
(legacies to the chancel and fabric of the said Prebendal
Church and heriots, alone excepted,) also two cartloads of
hay from the meadow called Smalemead, and all the obla-
tions and obventions at the altar of S. Laurence and
elsewhere in the same church. The said Vicar and his
successors are to discharge all Archidiaconal burdens of
the incumbency and also the extraordinary burdens of
the tithe taxed as the Vicar's portion. Moreover the said
Vicars are to provide and maintain the books and docu-
ments of the church, and keep the houses in repair, but
the said Prebendaries and their successors are to maintain
and repair, in all respects, the chancel of the aforesaid
Prebendal Church."
Bishop William of Wykeham, who was zealous in his
oversight of the Diocese, issued a commission on 15th
March, 1372, to Thomas de Sheptone, Canon of Wells
and John Uphulle, Rector of Havant, to ascertain the
annual value of the impropriate Church of Romsey, with
a view to adjust the Vicar's portion. In this Bishop's -
register the Prebendal Church is described as in three
portions : —
1. W. de Perham. Portion. Tax,
43 marcs [or ;^2 8. i^s. 41/. = p.d.v. ;^688.i] 4 marcs, 4s.
2. R. de Maydenstane.
30 marcs [or _;^2o = p.d.v. ;^48o.] 40s.
3. Abbess and Convent.
16 marcs [or ;^io. 135. 4^. = p.d.v. ^256] 215. 4/f.
out of which the Vicar is to receive 18 marcs [or ;£'i2, a marc
being 13J. 4d. ; = p.d.v. _;^2 88].
^ For comparative money values, see Chapter XI. P.d.v. means present day
value, v/hich is here obtained by multiplying by 24, as for moneys of the 13th
century.
The Clergy. 129
The same computation is found in Bistiop Beaufort's
register (1405-1447), and is said to be a copy of the tax of
Pope Nicholas! (circa 1291) : a like return was made to the
Crown officials in 1428: and in 1534, just before the
suppression, the Prebend was valued at £3^. 12s. Sd. and
the Vicarage at ^20. 17s. iid., or about ;^25o at present
day value.
The Vicar of S. Laurence does not appear to have
been without help; a chaplain is mentioned in Bishop
Wykeham's time: and there were at least two chaplains
for the nuns. Just before the suppression a reference is
made to the Chaplain of the Chapel of S. Andrew within
the Infirmary, and to the Chaplain of the Chapel of S. Peter
within the Abbey. There is a possible reference to the
Chapel of S. Andrew in the Romsey psalter {circa 1440),
for under 13th May occurs the entry "Dedicacio oratorii
S. Andree Apli." Except in the case of confessions, for
which special clergy were appointed, the nuns must have
been dependent for all ordinary ministrations upon the
Chaplains, as the Prebendaries held other offices and were
usually non-resident. The only indication of a Prebendal
House is found in connection with the third Prebendary or
co-portionary of S. Laurence. After the death of Nicholas
de Maydenstane the Bishop, on 29th December, 1326,
caused his executors to be summoned and enquiries to be
made concerning the dilapidations of the houses belonging
to this Prebend, but even if the houses were at Romsey
and not at Sydmanton, which was connected with this
Prebend, the residence of the Prebendary is not certain.
Royal Clerks and Diocesan Officials.
Some of the incumbents of these Prebends were King's
clerks, and were engaged in Court business. Solomon de
1 William de P. and Robert de M. were Prebendaries about that date.
K
I30 Records of Romsev Abbey.
Roffa (1289) may probably be identified with an itinerant
Justice of that name, and if so he was involved in the
Judicial scandal enquired into in 1290 when King Edward
returned from abroad after a three years' absence.
A full account of this business is given in the Red Book
of the Exchequer : — " Ralph de Hingham and Solomon of
Rochester {i.e., de Roffa) and others were arraigned for
homicide, corruption, and extortion in office. At first
they made a good defence, but at last, attacked in an
unguarded quarter, they were convicted, and each in turn
paid the heavy penalty of the Royal displeasure in the
shape of exhorbitant fines."
Peter de Galiciano (1333) was a Canon of Agen, as
well as of Romsey, and was employed in the King's service
beyond the seas in 1328, and in the next year he was com-
manded by the King to treat with Lady Mary, ladye of
Byscaye, and others, for marriage between John of Eltham,
Earl of Cornwall, the King's brother, and Mary, daughter
and heiress of John, formerly Lord of Bis-caye. This
Peter was provided by the Pope to the Mastership of
S. Cross Hospital, Winchester, 13th November, 1332, and
according to an old manuscript was blind sometime before
his death. He was alive loth November, 1334, but must
have died shortly afterwards. It is not likely that a Court
official, and one holding S. Cross Hospital, troubled himself
much about Romsey during his short incumbency.
Other Prebendaries held Diocesan appointments, and
some of them were great pluralists, holding many lucrative
offices. Gilbert de Middleton became Prebendary of
Edington in 13 12; he was, says Mr. Baigent, Canon of
S. Paul's, London, and the Bishop's Vicar General, Rector
of Ashbury, Berks, which he had resigned in 1308-9, Dean
of the Court of Arches, 1312, and official principal to the
Archbishop of Canterbury, Archdeacon of Northampton
The Clergy. 131
(8th June, 13 16), and Prebendary of Wells, Chichester,
Lincoln, Sales, Hereford, and of the Collegiate Church of
S. Crantock, Cornwall. In 1327 he founded a perpetual
chantry of six chaplains in the parish church of Wappen-
ham, Northants, to celebrate mass daily for Edward I and
Edward II, and for his own soul, and for the souls of his
ancestors, benefactors, and all the faithful departed. Bishop
William de Edyndon, to whom he was a benefactor and
patron in youth, was not unmindful of him, in as much as
he bequeathed 100 marks, or £66. 13J. 4^/., for aid and
augmentation of the chantry of Wappenham. Prebendary
Gilbert de Middleton died December, 1330, and could have
paid little attention either to Edyndon or Romsey.
Robert de Stratford, his successor, voted at the election
of Joan Icthe as Abbess, but it is significant that he voted
by proxy. He was a kinsman of John de Stratford, Bishop
of Winchester, and became himself Bishop of Chichester on
30th November, 1337. In 1334 the Pope had made pro-
vision for him to the Deanery of Wells, void by the
consecration of Richard {i.e., R. Aungerville, of Bury) on
19th December, 1333, to the Bishopric of Durham.
The Incumbents of the Prebend of S. Laurence the
Greater, Romsey, like those of Edyndon, were pluralists.
James Synobalde of Florence became Canon on 14th
November, 1304. In his register Bishop John de Pontoise
uses the following expression : " te admittimus per pre-
sentes te que per annulum nostrum presencialiter investi-
mus " ; the use of the Bishop's ring is not mentioned in the
appointment of any other canon of Romsey. He was
collated to the Archdeaconry of Winchester, on 31st July,
1304, and died before ist May, 1325.. He went to the
Roman Court for the King in 13 16, and was Proctor in
Convocation for the Bishop who was ill, 1317-18. He
was Vicar-General in 1 320-1, and held for a time the
132 Records of Romsey Abbey.
rectories of Kemsing, Brightwell, Ivinghoe, and Ewell, and
was Canon of Florence.
His successor, Richard de Chaddesley, D.C.L., appointed
4th April, 1325, was a Canon of Hereford in 1333, and also
of Salisbury. He exchanged his Romsey Prebend with
Peter de Galiciano in 1333, and examined and confirmed
the appointment of Joan Icthe as Abbess in the absence
of the Bishop in the same year. He is called both Vicar-
General to the Archdeaconry and Bishop's Chancellor.
The Patent Rolls show that he was incumbent of Kemeseye
(Worcestershire), for in 1328, 28th December, protection
was given him for one year, "and for his servants whom
he is sending to Bristol with a boat laden with divers kinds
of corn to fetch wines and other victuals for his household."
From this document it appears that he was a "King's Clerk."
Disputed Patronage.
Whilst pluralism and non-residence tended to estrange
the Prebendaries from the Convent, disputed rights of
patronage may well have made the breach even wider.
The Abbess and Convent were the true patrons, but special
circumstances from time to time gave the patronage into
other hands, the King or Pope claiming the right to
present. Appointments made by King or Pope, if and
when successful, may be supposed to have brought clergy
into connection with the Abbey who had no knowledge of
Romsey, and who would be unlikely to take much interest
in the sisters. These claims to present do not appear to
have been very successful, but they produced a good deal of
confusion, and on one occasion at least a very complicated
situation. For instance Geoffrey le Scrope, son of the
Chief Justice of the King's Bench of that name, was
inducted as Prebendary of S. Laurence the Greater in
Romsey, 3rd July, 1335 ; but the King appears to have
The Clergy. 133
presented one of his clerks, John de Eccleslde or Eccleshall
on 9th July in the same year, on the plea of a vacancy of
the Abbey in the time of his grandfather, when, the Abbey
being in the King's hands, the right of patronage fell to
the Crown. The King's patent is duly entered in Bishop
Orlton's register, but no account of an institution or induc-
tion, if it was ever made, has survived, on the contrary,
there is an elaborate confirmation of Geoffrey le Scrope's
appointment under the date of 12th July.
In 1346 the Pope made reservation of this Prebend for
John Wawayn, Rector of Brannspath in the diocese of
Durham, on its voidance by the consecration of William de
Edyndon as Bishop of Winchester. John Wawayn, how-
ever, died before obtaining possession.
Much confusion arose at this time as to who possessed
the Prebend. The Pope had made provision for the
appointment of Andrew de Offerd or Ufford as far back
as 1344, if not in 1343. According to one account, Andrew
de Offerd claimed the Prebend on the death of Peter de
Galiciano. Provision, however, did not mean possession,
and several persons had in the meantime succeeded.
In 1348 the Pope appears to have given the Prebend to
William de Farlee or Farlegh, but in 1349 he is found
making a decree at the request of the King validating
the collation and provision made to Andrew de Offerd,
and the latter presented to the vicarage in this year.
William de Farlegh appears at the same date as Canon
of Salisbury and Rector of Hurslee, and very possibly
succeeded on Andrew de Offerd's death, the date of which
is unknown. This is likely because Walter de Sevenhamp-
ton, who was appointed Prebendary in 1362, obtained
Papal confirmation in 1363, and his collation is spoken of
as taking place on the death of William de Farlegh.
134 Records of Romsey Abbey.
In this document the old dispute about the patronage
is referred to, and a reference is made to a suit between
William and Andrew de Offerd, and to a doubt having
arisen whether the new appointment was not in conse-
quence reserved to the Pope, on account of which Walter
de Sevenhampton, to secure himself, obtained Royal con-
firmation. This Walter, it may be worth observing, had
been Warden of the Edyndon Chantry for a year, 1357-58,
and had in 1370 exchanged the benefice of Old Alresford
(worth ^33. 6s. 8d.) with John Turke for that of Michel-
mersh, resigning about the same time the Church of
S. Martin, Winchester.
A similar case of Papal provision and confusion arose
in the case of the Edyndon Prebend. In 1337 John de
S. Paul was appointed, in the next year he exchanged his
Prebend with Gilbert de Bruera for Canonries and Pre-
bends of York and Lichfield, and afterwards exchanged
that of Lichfield and the Church of Sutton in the Diocese
of Salisbury with Alan de Conyngesburghe for the Pro-
vosty of Wells. In the meantime the Pope had made
provision of Edyndon to Robert de Turre de Adria, a
Papal writer, on the ground that the last Prebendary,
Robert de Stratford, was a Papal Chaplain. This gordian
knot was cut by the decease of the Papal writer, and the
Pope permitted the various appointments to stand.
This settlement took place in 1344, and Gilbert con-
tinued until his resignation in 1351, when John de Edyndon,
nephew of William de Edyndon, Bishop of Winchester,
was appointed. He held the Prebend for a few months
only, from 4th June to 29th October, when he resigned.
This John was made Master of S. Cross in 1346, was
Rector of Cheriton in 1347, and Rector of Farnham, and
held a Prebend of Saint Pauls in 1366. The Bishop can
hardly have approved of his nephew, a mere lad who mis-
The Clergy. 135
used the funds of Saint Cross and was compelled to resign
by William of Wykeham, soon after he became Bishop in
1368. John was cited to appear in the Bishop's Court for
having embezzled the materials purchased by his pre-
decessor for rebuilding the chancel of the Church of
Farnham, of which he was then Rector. No more appoint-
ments were made to Edyndon by the Abbess and Convent,
as Bishop William de Edyndon of Winchester founded a
chantry there and became patron. The Wardens of this
chantry and their successors, however, continued to take
their place as Canons in the Romsey Chapter, for Master
William Newton is found taking part in the election of
Elizabeth Broke as Abbess in 1478.
The Third or Co-portionary Prebend.
The co-portionary Prebend of S. Laurence ceased to
exist about the same time that the patronage of Edyndon
passed to the Bishop. Only four names have survived of
incumbents of this Prebend, the succession is complete for
the period, but only extends from about 1297 to 1351
or 1362.
About 1297, Robert de Maydenstane was Prebendary,
he also held the Vicarage of Michelmersh, to which he was
appointed in 1286 on the resignation of Simon de Nigella,
and was besides a Canon of Chichester. Under the con-
stitution of Pope John XII, against pluralities, he was
removed from Michelmersh 12th February, 13 17. He is
described as "late Master of S. Cross" on 9th February,
1321, and he with his brother Nicholas are proceeded
against for removing property from the Hospital valued at
;£'iOO. This brother, Nicholas de Maydenstane, became
Prebendary of Romsey before 1321, when he presented
to the Vicarage as co-patron with James de Florencia,
Prebendary of S. Laurence the Greater.
136 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Richard de Lusteshulle followed, and remained Pre-
bendary for nearly twenty -five years, an incumbency
exceeding in length that of any of the early Prebendaries.
He was ordained Deacon 28th May, 13 17, and Priest on
24th September following, and was Rector of Elyndone,
Wilts, and collated by the Pope to Romsey in 1325.
At the request of the King, the Pope wishing to
promote Sir Richard de Lusteshulle, confers on , him the
prebendal portion of S. Laurence, without cure, in the
conventual church of Romsey, and invests him in the
person of Peter de Nuttelye his Proctor. Dated at
Coulesfield, Thursday, 15th August, 1325.
The register of Bishop Stratford, however, records
another appointment ; one Richard de Ayremine was
admitted by the Bishop's commissioners to the Prebend
of S. Laurence, at the presentation of the Abbess and
Convent, and the induction took place the same day, but
by proxy. The institution was sealed with the seal of the
Dean of Winchester because the seals of the commissioners
were unknown to many. Dated 25th August, 1325. The
subsequent events are explained by the abstracts of
documents in the Cathedral Chartulary,i which are as
follows : —
" Bulla domini papa directa priori Wyntonensi H. de Iddes-
worth et magistro Nicholao de Fractis ad faciendum dominum
R. de Lusteshulle de pacifica possessione prebende de Romeseye
gaudere.
" The petition of Richard de LusteshuU, canon of the church
of the monastery of Romesey, in which are and used to be secular
canons, contains that although he was canonically promoted to
the prebend of S. Laurence, accustomed to be assigned to secular
clerks, then vacant by the death of Nicholas de Madeneston, by
authority of apostolic letters, and has for some time peacefully
' Winchester Cathedral Chariulary, Vol. I, Pt. i.
The Clergy. 137
possessed it, nevertheless, because Richard de Ermyne clerk of
the Diocese of York falsely asserting the said prebend to be
vacant, has caused himself to be presented to the bishop of
Winchester for the said prebend, vacant neither by right or in
fact, by the Abbess and Convent to whom the presentation, when
it is vacant, is known to belong by old, approved, and hitherto
peacefully observed custom, and on pretext of this presentation
he has hindered, disturbed and molested Richard de Lusteshull
in his possession of the prebend, and Richard appeals to the
apostolic see. The pope has committed the cause to Master
Gaucelin de Cassanhis [Gashanchis] 'auditori causarum nostri
pallacii,' to hear and determine, who at the instance of a former
Master de Vrigge, proctor of Richard, appearing before him,
pronounced the case to have properly devolved on the Apostolic
court and caused the said Richard de Ermyne to be cited. He
did not appear. Pronounced and declared that the presentation
of Richard de Ermyne was void. Confirmation by the Pope, of
this sentence; Richard de Lusteshull shall enjoy the peaceful
possession of the prebend. Dated at Avinon 12 Kal. January,
1 3th year of his pontificate (Pope John)."
Order for Induction. — "Nicholas de Fractis, and others,
deputies from the Apostolic see, to the Abbess and Convent of
Romsey and all others concerned. They are to induct Richard
de Lusteshull into possession of the said canonry or prebend of
S. Laurence within six days, and in no wise permit him to be
molested in the same; Richard de Ermyne is admonished that
this will take place. Sentence of excommunication on each
person, suspension of the Convent, and interdict on the Church,
if they hinder Richard de Lusteshull or help Richard de Ermyne.
Richard de Lusteshull or his proctor shall make a copy of the
premisses for the Convent, if they demand it, at their charges.
"The Abbots of Nettele, Beaulieu, the Priors of Suthewyk,
Portesmuthe, and Motesfonte, the Master of the Domus Dei of
Southampton, the Prior of ' Ederosi ' in the diocese of Salisbury,
the rectors of the churches of 'Albae parochie,' Schyrefeld,
Tederle, and Putlesworth, the Priors of S. Ellen and of S. Cross
138 Records of Romsey Abbey.
of Winchester, shall carry out the premisses under pain of excom-
munication, within six days after they shall be required to do so.
" 'Acta et data' in Avinon, in the dwelling-house of the said
Nicholas, 1329, loth February, thirteenth year of Pontificate of
John XXII."
The trouble about the house dilapidations has already
been referred to. A curious transaction occurred between
this Prebendary and the Prior of Saint Swithun's about the
year 1331. It appears that Richard de Lusteshull's Rectory
of Elyndone paid a pension of 100 shillings to Saint
Swithun's for the benefit of the Precentor. To meet this
charge Prebendary Richard delivers to the Prior Alexander
the fruits of his " portion of Sydemanton " belonging to his
Romsey prebend, and the rent of the house, namely, 3
shillings a year ; the whole value amounting to 8 marks
3 shillings, or £$. gs. 8d. {i.e., present value £6%. i6j.). He
warrants the said fruits and house for five years, if he
continues to hold the Prebend. Brother Alexander shall
retain to himself and his convent and pay to the Precentor
100 shillings yearly during the said five years, of the said
farm of 8 marks 3 shillings and the residue, namely, gs. 8d.,
he shall pay to the said Richard at Michaelmas yearly in
the Church of Saint Swithun. For a very brief period this
Prebendary was Master of Saint Cross, and was also
Warden of Saint Katherine's Hospital, near the Tower.
He presented to the Vicarage in 1334, and probably died
by the great pestilence in the early part of 1349, his
successor being instituted on 27th June of that year.
/okn de Nubbelaye was the last incumbent of this
Prebend. He obtained it on Papal provision, confirmed
by the Crown, on 12th May, and was instituted on 27th
June ; he presented to the Vicarage on 27th September
following. He had been Rector of Alresford for some
years. Bishop William de Edyndon shortly afterwards
The Clergy. 139
(8th July, 1 351), with the Royal assent, appropriated this
Prebend to the use of the Abbey, owing to the poverty and
suflFerings of the Nuns consequent on the black death.
Part of the agreement involved a pension to the Bishopric,
which in Bishop Wykeham's time fell into arrears, and
a peremptory command for payment was issued. This
pension became a subject of enquiry after the suppression.
The Bishop of Winchester and his predecessors it was
stated had continually enjoyed a sum of 6s. 8d. going out
of the late House or Monastery of Romsey for the appro-
priation of the Prebend of S. Laurence ; it was decreed on
6th February, 1541, that unless proved before the Court of
Augmentations, the Bishop ought not to have it.
John de Nubbelaye became Provost of S. Elizabeth's
College, Winchester, in 1350. The appointment of a
pluralist was contrary to the statutes of the College, but
the Papal sanction was granted owing to the income of
S. Elizabeth's being too small to be held by itself He
appears to have died 3rd September, 1362, for the Bishop
on 29th October of that year issued letters patent for the
augmentation of the stipends of the Chaplains and Clerks
for John de Nubbelaye's obit : —
" The Provost and Chaplains shall celebrate yearly for ever on
3rd September in the Chapel the obit or anniversary of John de
Nubbelaye, formerly Provost of the Chapel, who gave many goods
in his lifetime to the relief of the said Chapel ; and on the same
day the Provost shall distribute one mark of silver for the good of
the soul and in memory of John de Nubbelaye, viz., first in
masses to be celebrated for his soul and the souls of all the
faithful departed by Chaplains of the town of Winchester and
Soke, as well religious and secular, ^s. ; in wax to be bought for
four candles to be placed round his tomb, y. ^d. ; in a pittance
to the Chaplains and Clerks of the Chapel, 3^-. j\d. ; distribution
amongst the choristers of the Chapel singing on that day, 20^."
140 Records of Romsey Abbey.
The only Prebend which remained according to the
terms of its first foundation, was the major portion of
S. Laurence ; Adam de Hertyngdon was appointed in
1374, and was followed by Nicholas de Wykeham, a kins-
man of the great Bishop of that name. He was ordained
Acolyth in 1379 and Priest in 1383, and he as Patron
presented to the Vicarage of Romsey in 1380; in 1388 he
was Master of the Hospital of S. Nicholas, Portsmouth,
Prebendary of Waleton in the Collegiate Church of
Boseham, of Bedewynde in S. Mary's, Sarum, and of
Thorpe in the Collegiate Church of Howeden, as well as
Prebendary of Romsey. He was Archdeacon of Wilts in
1396.
Very little remains to be told of the Canons. John
Bailey, who exchanged the Rectory of Saint Laurence,
Winchester, for the Vicarage of Saint Laurence, Romsey,
in 1452, became also Prebendary, either then or a little
later. Nicholas Delburge was Prebendary at the Suppres-
sion. A note in the Account of the King's Bailiff of the
dissolved Monastery in 1539, says : " That the issues of the
Prebends of Tymmesbury, Ymber and Romsey, lately
granted to Brother Nicholas, travelling in Italy, are to be
answered for by Richard Lyster (who dwelt at Stanbridge)
and G. Baynton, Knights, and Francis Flemmynge, Esquire,
assessed at £16. 6s. M. by the year, which Prebends are
granted by letters patent to ... . Mason (?>., John Mason,
appointed 1540).
A later patron was Thomas Sharpe of Craneborne,
Kent, who put in Edward Foster, a relative probably of
the Foster who did so much to bring about the suppres-
sion of the Abbey, as will be shown later. The rectory
eventually came into the hands of the Dean and Chapter
of Winchester.
The Clergy. 141
Romsey could not complain of having insignificant
persons thrust upon it, to fill the offices of secular Canons,
but it may be doubted if these persons, so frequently
employed at the Court by the Sovereign or in Diocesan
work by the Bishop, were of much use to the Sisters of the
Convent, more often than not they must have been non-
resident, and the celebration of Divine Worship was carried
on by resident Vicars for the Parish, and by Chaplains for
the Convent.
Very little information is available about the Vicars
and Chaplains, but notes about some of them are in-
corporated into other chapters, when their names occur.
REFERENCES.
The Edington Register, B.M., Lansdowne, No. 442.
Hutchin's Dorset.
Leland's Itinerary.
Winchester Episcopal Registers.
Papal Letters and Registers [Record Commission].
Patent Rolls.
Winchester Cathedral Chartulary.
CHAPTER IX.
A.D. 1349— 1352.
EDINGTON AND IMBER.
' ' Hedinton, in Wilts, of ancient tyme was
a prebend longging to Rumsey, an Abbaye of
Nunnes in Hampsliire."
Leland's Itinerary, Vol. IV, 25.
Chapter IX.
EDINGTON AND IMBER.
T^HE Black Death left a legacy of troubles behind it,
and these troubles were acutely felt throughout the
country. Agriculture suffered severely, land went out of
cultivation, and cattle wandered untended. Tenants could
not be found to occupy farms, and labour was at a
premium. The Statute of Labourers was passed with
a view to check the high rate of wages and to confine
natives to their own part of the country ; but it did not
meet with unqualified success. The Monasteries, inasmuch
as they were great landowners, fell into extreme poverty.
" It would appear " says Abbot Gasquet, " that at this time
many, if not most, of the religious houses of the Diocese
of Winchester were protected and supported by the
liberality of Bishop Edyndon and his relatives, whom he
interested in the work of preserving from threatened des-
truction these monastic establishments." Romsey history
illustrates the evil plight of the religious houses, and
exhibits the paternal care of Bishop Edyndon. There are
many documents, enrolled on the Close Roll of 1354, in
which the state of the Convent's finance, and the agree-
ments entered into between the Abbess and the Bishop,
are described. The wording of the first document, dated
1 35 1, is almost identical, in its commencement, with a
similar one relating to S. Mary's, Winchester.
146 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Charter of the Abbess and Convent to
Bishop William de Edyndon.
He, the Bishop, counted it a pleasing thing mercifully to come
to their assistance when overwhelmed with poverty, and when, in
these days of increasing ill-doing and social deterioration, they
were brought to the necessity of secret begging.
It was at such a time that the same Father, with the eye of
compassion, seeing that our Monastery was from the first provided
with lands and possessions, but that now we and our house {by
the barreness of our land and the destruction of our woods, by the
diminution or loss of due and appointed rents, because of the
dearth of tenants carried off by the unheard of and unwonted
pestilence, by the building and repairs of the houses of the
Monastery fallen through age and in ruins, by necessary and very
costly exactions of tenths and other taxes and unsupportable
burdens) are depressed by the burden of poverty and misery,
to so great a degree, that its means would not suffice for the
sustenance of the religious women dwelling therein even on a
reduced scale, perceived that unless provision were opportunely
made by a remedial measure of help, in our need which we now
suffer, this our Monastery would fall under the reproach of
irreparable desolation.
The same Father perceiving this, and the fervour of his
inward charity (by which from early years he was always warmly
disposed, with no little devotion, towards our Monastery) now
also stirring him, he by the care of his pastoral sympathy, to
which we are notoriously indebted, as well as to the affection of
his paternal oversight, annexed, incorporated, and united, with
the consent of his Chapter, to our proper use for a perpetual
possession the Prebend of St. Laurence in our Church of
Romsey (which hitherto Sir John de Nubbelye holds, and which
is of our patronage), with all its rights and belongings, for the
relief of our burdens. And further for the right of patronage or
advowson of the Prebendal Church of Edyndon, belonging to
our Church of Romsey, with the Chapel of Bradley annexed to
the said Prebendal Church, in the Diocese of SaUsbury, and for
Edington and Imber. 147
one messuage and two acres of land in Edyngdon, which we were
accustomed to consider of little or no value, given by us to the
said Father and his heirs and assigns, for the purpose of a
Chantry of Chaplains, celebrating for ever in the said Prebendal
Church, to be founded and endowed by the said Father — he gave
us the tenements, messuages, lands, rents, and meadows formerly
in the possession of John le Rede and others in the town of
Romeseye, near to our Monastery and of great use to us, which
he had acquired at great cost, together with other things, as
appears by the King's Charter, treating thereof
Our evident insufficiency considered, we are not able to make
any worthy temporal return for such immense and gracious
benefits ; and considering moreover that it is more acceptable to
the said Father, who has brought such great relief to our exceed-
ing desolation and has restored or reformed our Monastery, to
reap eternal retribution rather than the reward of transitory
praise, we grani that he participate in all prayer and good offices
made in our Monastery for ever. JVe grant, further, that one of
the Chaplains of our Monastery, every year on the Feast of
St. James, the Apostle, in our conventual church, the Abbess and
Convent being present, shall be bound to celebrate solemnly, with
note, the Mass " Salus populi " for the welfare of the said Father
during his life on earth, singing the collect " Omnipotens sempiterne
Deus Qui vivorum et mortuorum " and other collects for the living
as shall seem most fitting. After the said Father's death, every
year on his anniversary as the day comes round, the Abbess and
Convent shall sing, before Vespers in the Monastery, the office of
the dead, namely, Placebo and Dirige, and on the morrow they
shall cause to be solemnly celebrated in presence of all of the
Convent who can attend, a Requiem Mass for his soul, and the
soul of King Edward when he shall have departed this life, his
progenitors, kings of England, and all the faithful departed, with
the collect '■'■Incline Do^mine aurem Tuam," another which begins
"Deus Qui inter apostolicos,'' and others fitting; moreover that
we and our successors may be incited more eagerly and in greater
number to be present at the said office and masses, we grant that
on the days on which Mass for the living and also for the dead
148 Records of Romsey Abbey.
and the anniversary shall be celebrated, the Abbess shall dis-
tribute among the religious ladies of the Monastery who are
present or who are hindered from attending by sufficient cause,
ten marks sterling of the profits of the said lands given to us
by the said Father; and to each Chaplain celebrating in our
Monastery, presented by the holder of the Prebendal Church of
Edyngdon, the Abbess shall pay from the said profits, which we
confess to be more than sufficient for all these purposes, a yearly
payment of thirteen shillings and four pence for his stipend
(which, according to the custom of our Monastery, has been paid
hitherto by the holder of the said Prebendal Church), and livery
of victuals as of one nun, for the fitting sustenance of the said
Chaplain as has been customary, in relief of the accustomed
charge of the Monastery in this matter, and so that the holder of
the said church may be wholly exonerated from the yearly
payment of thirteen shillings and four pence.
If we, or our successors, do not carry out the foregoing, which
God forbid, we will that the Bishop of Winchester for the time
being may compel us to carry out the same by ecclesiastical
censures, and we expressly renounce any appeal or defence on our
part : and if we take away or do not fully carry out any part of
the foregoing, we grant that we may be bound to pay to the alms
of the Bishop one hundred shillings, and in aid of the Holy Land
forty shillings sterling, the foregoing to continue in force never-
theless. We bind ourselves, and our successors, to carry out and
observe faithfully all the aforesaid, on pain of distraint of our
Monastery and all our goods by the Bishop and any other judge,
ecclesiastical or secular. In testimony of all which, we have
caused our common seal to be affixed to these. Given in our
Chapter House, 8th July, 1351.
The Abbess also made grants to John de Edyndon, the
Bishop's nephew, and gave him power to make a grant to
the warden and chaplains of the newly founded chantry ;
and her successor, Isabel de Camoys, gave a piece of land
for the enlargement of the churchyard. The new rector
Walter Scarlet, was instituted on October 28th, 1351, and
Edington and Imber. 149
Canon John de Edyndon's resignation is dated the follow-
ing day.
The Papal confirmation is dated 1354, and sums up the
whole matter ; it confirms the foundation, by William,
Bishop of Winchester, in the church of Edyndon, in the
diocese of Salisbury, his birth-place (which is a prebend of
Romsey and consequently neglected), of a chantry of three
chaplains in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, S.
Katherine, and All Saints, to whom the church is dedicated,
with the consent of Robert Wyville, Bishop of Salisbury,
the chapters of Winchester and Salisbury, John of Edyndon,
Canon of Romsey, and the Convent of Romsey. It being
ordained that one only of the chaplains shall be perpetual,
and should be called the warden ; and also confirming the
subsequent appropriation, made with the consent of the
same persons and of Roger, Archdeacon of Salisbury, of
the church of Edyndon to the said chantry, and the
appointment of three more chaplains. It incorporates a
letter of the Bishop dated 20th October, 1 351, in which he
speaks of founding the chantry to pray for the souls of
himself, his father Roger, his mother Amice, his brother
John, the royal family of England, and the Bishops of
Salisbury and Winchester.
A new and very beautiful church was built by the
Bishop in the transitional style from Decorated to Perpen-
dicular, and the work may be compared with that done by
him at the west end of Winchester Cathedral. There is
a base of late Norman character incorporated in the west
respond of the south arcade, which indicates both the style
and position of the ancient church.
Leland says that the first stone of the Monastery was
laid on the 3rd of July, 1352, and that it was completed six
years later. The consecration of the church by Robert
Wyville, Bishop of Salisbury, did not take place till 1361,
ISO Records of Romsey Abbey.
and changes had come about in the meanwhile. Walter
de Sevenhampton had become warden on the last day of
February, 1357-8, and had resigned Sth April, 1358; and
on the next day John de Ailesbury had been appointed.
Edward the Black Prince had, it seems, an especial favour
for a particular class of Augustinian monks, known as
Bonshommes, of which there was only one establishment
in England, viz., at Ashridge in Buckinghamshire ; and on
his return from the French wars " heartily," as Leland says,
" besought the Bishop to introduce this order at Edington,
which was accordingly done." Two members were sent
from Ashridge to Edington, and the elder of them, John de
Ailesbury, became its first head, the warden resigning, but
the priests all taking the new order. The House continued
till the suppression of the Monasteries, and received many
gifts, as may be seen in the beautiful register which now
stands on the shelves of the B.M. Library, Lansd. 442.
The church is in excellent preservation. It is cruciform,
and a very beautiful screen still separates the chancel,
which was reserved for the use of the canons, from the rest
of the building, which was used as the parish church.
It must not be supposed that because Romsey Abbey
parted with the advowson of Edington all the Convent's
interest in the neighbourhood ceased. This was by no
means the case ; the Abbess remained Lady of the Manor
of the whole Hundred of Wharwellesdown, she still held
property in the neighbourhood, and continued as the
patron of Steeple Ashton, another village some three or
four miles north of Edington. This Lordship had been
given to the Abbey by Edgar from the first, and the gift
had been confirmed by King John ; and it would seem
that land both in Edington and Steeple Ashton came to
the Convent through the same king.
Edington and Imber. 151
The Edington Charter is still extant, and so is that of
Steeple Ashton ; the latter concludes with one of those
strange denunciations often attached to charters of that
time : " If anyone shall venture rashly to infringe this my
grant, and refuse to make satisfaction, let him be dragged
down with heavy chains round his neck among the fire-
breathing regions of black devils."
The boundaries of Ashton follow ; the general line
pursues a course " From Semington round by Keevil and
Edyndon to the River Biss, then by Merebrook and South-
wick (in North Bradley) across to Trowbridge, Hilperton
Moor, and back to Semington. The Manor of Edington
included the tithings of West Coulston, Baynton, Tinhead,
North Bradley, and Southwick. The whole Hundred at
the time of the Norman Conquest was under the Abbess'
rule, and seventy hides of land or more were the property
of Romsey Abbey, which probably represented the two
manors of Edendone and Aistone.
An early Court Roll of the Manor of Assheton, i.e..
Steeple Ashton, has survived the destruction of the Abbey
MSS. And as the preservation of such early rolls is
uncommon, it will be worth while giving extracts from it :
An arrear Hundred Court of St. Martin held on Wednesday,
on the morrow of St. Nicholas, in the forty-sixth year of the reign
of King Henry [i.e., yth December, 1261.]
Richard de Tiddolneside complains of Walter Walerand that
he, Walter, made an agreement with the said Richard, on Sunday
next before the feast of St. Michael, in the forty-fifth year of the
reign of King Henry, about the first hour, in the Court of the
Abbess of Romsey at Tiddolneside, that the same Walter should
pay (render) to Richard, by judgment of trusty (men), all costs
which Richard laid out upon the building of houses upon the
tenement, of which he placed the said Walter in possession, by
the Abbess, before the feast of St. Denis next following; which
152 Records of Romsey Abbey.
he (Walter) did not do, but has hitherto unjustly withheld;
although the said Richard found pledges, namely, Ric Sonwini
and William Notchaach [wherefrom he did not wish damage or
disgrace] for 40s., and this he says by sufficient suit.
Afterwards, it is agreed between them that Walter grant, that,
unless he pay half of the value of the said costs on the feast of the
Purification of the Blessed Mary, in the forty-sixth year of the
reign of King Henry, and the other half at Easter following,
the said Richard shall hold, at farm, all the houses and the whole
tenement pertaining thereto of the same Walter, for so long a time
as the estimators shall estimate by writing the said land to be
worth the money, estimated for the costs of the houses, which
estimate ought to be made on Sunday next after the feast of St.
Nicholas ; and afterwards it (i.e., the said land) shall revert to the
said Walter.
Hallemote of Aston on Monday, the eve of St. Nicholas, in the
forty-sixth year of the reign of King Henry [jth December, 1261^
John Medicus (the doctor) in mercy for grass destroyed by
four cows taken in New Croft.
Arrear Hundred Court at Hocktide on the Friday next before
the feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle, in the forty-sixth year of the
reign of King Henry \gthjune, 1262].
Richard Horde, tithing-man of Bradely, comes and says that
the house of Lucy Hogeman was broken into on the night of
Tuesday next after the feast of St. John before the Latin Gate,
and there was taken away a coverlet, a linen garment, a sheet and
a towel, bread and corn ; asked if he had anyone under suspicion,
he said no ! and on the night of Thursday in the week of
Whitsuntide a beehive belonging to Duca, widow of Richard the
Miller, was stolen, and he made mention as to the house of Hugh
Bokel, which was burnt and he within.
William, the tything-man of West Ashton, comes and says that
William de Southwich was very often received at the house of
Christina Walcock on the tenement of Roger Agard; made
mention of the fire at Bradeley, and of wool plucked from the
EDINGTON and ImBER. 153
sheep of Juliana Sanser, and of three large fleeces of wool, stolen
in the bakehouse of John Scheregrove (Shiregreen), and made
mention of a medley between EUas, son of Ric He, and Walter,
son of Walter the Theign, on the day of the Holy Trinity after
dinner, whence the hue was raised. The same William blamed
for including Hugh le due within his tything, he denied, therefore
let him make his law.
Walter Nele is made tithing-man, and says that the chest of
Emma de Aqua {i.e., Waters) was broken, and her goods were
carried off in(to) the courtyard of Adam Doget ; and makes
mention of a coffer broken into, in the house of Duca de Aqua,
and a bushel of wheat taken away; asked if they had any in
suspicion they say no ! Nothing more.
The relations between the Abbess and Convent and the
Rector and brothers of Edyndon do not appear to have
run smoothly. Towards the close of the incumbency of
John de Aylesbury, in 1377, certain grievances were set
out on the behalf of the Abbess and Convent, and are to
be found amongst the Ecclesiastical documents of the
Exchequer Q. R. The grievances are twenty-one in
number. For instance, the Abbess and her predecessors
had, time out of mind, the right of feed and pasture in
Owaynesmede after the first mowing and carrying, namely,
from the Feast of S. Peter ad Vincula to the Feast of
the Purification of the Blessed Mary (ist August — 2nd
February). But the Rector for three years had hindered
this.
Again, the Rector and John Horton, a brother, had
carried off Margery, daughter of William Blacche, native
of the Lady. That is to say they no doubt claimed a
right over one of the servile tenants of the Lady Abbess.
Again, the Rector and brothers had hunted in the free
warren of the Abbess at Edyndon, and had taken and
carried off hares and rabbits ; also they had cut down and
1 54 Records of Romsey Abbey.
carried off an elm, growing upon the waste ground of the
Abbess at Tynhide, and had done the same with thorns,
growing on the tenures of William Sampson, John Gay,
William Blacche, and John Freest, native or servile tenants
of the Abbey, at Northbroke. Further, the Rector's
servants had grazed the pasture of the Lady at Lande-
mereswey, Liteldrove to Viltham and Ridendiche. Also
they held a gate towards the village of Tynhide, where
from ancient time there never was a road, by which the
Rector's swine wasted the corn and pasture of the Lady ;
they had cleaned out the ditch of the Rector's close next
Inmede and cast the mud upon the Lady's meadow.
They had given trouble, too, about cattle, rents, and other
matters, and it is evident that the Abbey Steward,^ William
de Putton, and Thomas atte Forde, the bailiff, must have
had an anxious time.
Edington and Ashton were not the only properties in
which Romsey had an interest in this neighbourhood.
The road from Westbury to Edington skirts along and
beneath a chalk down or plateau which at the latter place
rises 600 to 700 feet above sea level, and nearly 400 feet
above the roadway, and looks over a broad vale towards
Roundway Hill and the Marlborough Downs, with Devizes
and Potterne in the middle distance. Just before reaching
Edington, one of the celebrated white horses, cut out on
the side of the down, is seen, and at Edington a step path
leads to the top of the down. On the farther side of the
village the down may be climbed by a road which passes
up through a steep cutting, great nodular masses of chalk
crowning the cliff above, on the western side. The road
emerges on the down, a wide expanse of country partly
cultivated, which extends for miles and is connected in an
easterly direction with Salisbury Plain.
1 William de Putton or Pytton held land at Stanbridge, in Romsey.— Vide
B.M. Add. Charters.
Edington and Imber. IS5
Soon after leaving a farmhouse just above Edington,
the road ceases, and a traveller must proceed across the
turf as best he may. About four miles from Edington, in
a fold or depression of the down, he will come upon the
ancient village of Imber : —
" Imber in the down.
Four miles from any town,"
according to a saying of the countryside. This is literally
true, and the village is further cut off by an absence of
roads ; on the opposite side to Edington a road runs for
some distance out of the village but ends on the open
down ; here, however, heaps of white chalk guide the
traveller, and perhaps the native, in foggy weather, to
Tilshead, or Tidulveshide, as it was anciently called.
The name Immere (now Imber) seems to have been
originally " Gemaer," i.e., junction, union, or boundary, the
village being parcelled out between the two hundreds of
Ruberg Regis and Heghtrebury (Heytesbury). This village
was formerly divided into Imber North and Imber South ;
the latter, comprising about two thirds of the parish,
belonged to Romsey Abbey and the family of Le Rous,
the former and lesser portion to the Le Rous family only.
The Abbey held the advowson of the church, and presented
the prebendary of S. Laurence to it, on each occasion.
The Le Rous family appear to have presented to the living
from about the year 1316, and perhaps earlier, though the
Abbess claimed the right as against them in 1344. Mr.
Hoare says : " The Abbess of Romsey frequently claimed
the right of presentation to this chapel as part of the
prebend of Timbresbury in that Abbey, but Le Rous
generally succeeded as lord of the manor and founder."
A description of the church is given by Mr. C. E,
Pouting, F.S.A., in the Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine.
The church consists of a nave, with north and south aisles,
iS6 Records of Romsey Abbey.
a chancel, and western tower ; the font is to be dated about
the middle of the twelfth century, and belonged to the
older Norman church. At the end of the thirteenth
century the church was rebuilt, and in the fifteenth century,
not later than 1420, the north and south aisles were rebuilt,
and the north porch and tower were added, and the nave
was re- roofed in waggon-headed form. "This fifteenth
century work," says Mr. Ponting, " is bold and massive,
and it must have been no slight task in those days to get
up to Imber the large quoin and bonding stones. Owing
to the peculiar treatment of the turret staircase the tower
has five corners." It is thought that the knight in the
recessed tomb may have been a benefactor at this time,
but the style of the effigy points to an earlier date ; the
arms on the shield belong to the Le Rous family.
This family may be traced back to a Richard, one of
the King's Chamberlains, mentioned in 1 167-8. To pro-
bably the same Richard, Henry II made grants, and in
1 183 the Abbess, Juliana, gave a Charter relating to a
farm. From this Richard the property, and his place in
the King's camera, descended to another Richard, his
nephew (nepos) son of Roger, and to Thomas, another
nephew, both mentioned in 1202-3 ; and as Richard is
mentioned in the Red book of the Exchequer in 1 201- 12,
and Thomas son of Roger as holding by serjeanty in
1212-17, it is possible that this Thomas succeeded his
brother Richard. A John appears in a deed, in the
Edington Register, of 1241, and in the Testa de Nevill
(the same or his son is found in the Patent Rolls, 1279-80),
and a Matilda in the Hundred Rolls of 1275.
After this date the succession of the ancient family is
fairly clear. Sir Thomas in the Parliamentary Writs of
1277 acknowledges that he owes the service of one
"Serviens," armed with a haubergeon, an aketon, and a
Edington and Imber. 157
scull cap, and proffers himself by Walter Danesy on his
behalf. This was for the expedition against Lewelin,
Prince of Wales, and the muster was at Worcester on
1st July, and again at Carmarthen on 15th July. He
makes the same proposal on 2nd August, 1282. He
appears as a witness to a deed of Alice, Abbess of Romsey
1 280- 1, and is referred to as a Justice in the Close Roll
of 1289, and in the next year occurs the entry that a
Coroner is to be elected, he being incapacitated by weak-
ness. He died shortly afterwards in 1 290-1 and his son
John succeeded.
The latter's name occurs for military service against the
Scots in 1 301, and he acknowledges and proffers the service
of one serjeanty, performed by one " Serviens " with one
unbarded horse, against the Scots in 13 10; in the next
year he is knight of the shire for Wilts, and obtains his
writ for expenses for attendance in Parliament ; in 131 5 he
obtains a writ of exoneration, having performed his service
against the Scots; in 13 16 he is certified as Lord of the
Manor of Imber and of Leigh in Wilts ; in 1320 he is
appointed collector of scutage in the county, and two years
later (1322) he is Commissioner of Array, being empowered
to raise an additional number of troops ; he is returned by
the Sheriff as summoned, by general proclamation, to
attend the great council at Westminster on Wednesday
next after Ascension Day, 30th May, 1324. In 1313 he
gave a release to the Abbey of his right to present two
nuns to be veiled there with a valet [servant] to be main-
tained there. He presented John de Immere, probably a
relative, to Imber in 1325, and made several presentations
to the same place in 1325 and 1326. He died 1329-31.
A case was brought into Court at Easter, 1332, by Ric.
de Walop against Ela, widow of this John le Rous, as to
one acre at Couveleston. Ela, by her attorney, says she
iS8 Records of Romsey Abbey.
holds the land as dower from John, once her husband, with
reversion to John, son of John le Rous, of Inmere. On
26th October, 1340, a pardon was granted to Thomas
de Langford and Ela, late the wife of John le Rous, tenant-
in-chief, for intermarriage without license ; they were fined
five marks.
Sir John succeeded his father, and presents Richard le
Rous to the chapel of Imber in 1339. On 19th October,
1330, a royal license was given for John le Rous of Inmere
to enfeoff Will, de Hedyngdon (Edyngdon), clerk, of the
manor of Inmere, co. Wilts, and for him to regrant the
same to the said John, and Alice, his wife, in tail male,
with remainder to the right heir of John. On i6th January,
1 33 1, protection was granted to him, with others, beyond
the seas in the King's service. In 1332 Will, de Edyndon
is called upon to reply to the plea of John le Rous, of
Inmere, and Alice his wife, concerning the manor of
Inmere. John seems to have died before 28th May, 1341,
when a license was given for Alice, late the wife of John le
Rous, to grant for her life to Adam, Bishop of Winchester,
the manor of Inmere, said to be held in chief; two years
later, 6th January, 1343, a license was issued for Adam,
Bishop of Winchester, to demise to Alice, late the wife of
John le Rous, the estate for her life in the manor of
Inmere, lately acquired from her by the Bishop with the
King's license. John and Alice had a son, named Philip,
alive in 134S, but he evidently died, as he did not succeed
to the property. Alice presented to Imber chapel in 1344
and 1346, and it was in her time that the Abbess made
a claim to present. She died 1 360.
On 30th August, 134s, Richard is mentioned as executor
of his brother John's will. This Richard made a feoffment
of right in the manor of Imber, 1355-6, but still held it by
serjeanty as Camerarius Regis, 1 361-3, and granted a
To face page 158.
THE FAMILY OF LE ROUS OF YMMERE.
r
Richard,
1167-1183.
Richard,
1201-1212.
Roger -p
Thomas, =f
1212-1217. I
J
John, '■
c. 1238.
Sir Thomas, -j-
ob. 1290-1.
Sir John t= Isabella, and Ela.
ob. c. 1329.
r — 1
Sir John = Alice, (i) Richard =f Elizabeth, = (2) Sir Thos.
ob. c. 1341. ob. c. 1360.
Sir John =p Isaude, d. of Sir Philip Fitz-Waryn
ob. c. 1422.
d. of Sir John Bekeryng.
Huntercombe,
ob. 1407-8.
r
(i) Margaret = William = (2) Isabel (i) Johanna =: John = (2) Anne
Thorpe ob. 1452. Godchild. Ashley ob. 1453. Goweyn.
4 illeg. chil- No law-
dren. ful issue.
Edington and Imber. 159
reversion of Imber to Edington Priory. He presented to
Imber in 1361, and there are various grants in connection
with Edington Priory, founded about this time. His wife
Elizabeth was one of the three daughters of Sir J. Hunter-
combe, and married for her second husband Sir Th.
Bekerying, Kt, who presented to Imber 1394. She died
1407-8.
The son, Sir John, called senior, married Isaude, the
daughter of Sir Philip Fitz-Waryn and Constance, his wife.
Two sons were born to Sir John and Isaude ; the elder,
William, who left no legitimate issue, and gradually parted
with the property, died 31st August, 1452, and was buried
at the Grey Friars, London ; the younger, John, who is
called lord of Baynton, died in 1453 without lawful issue;
he was buried at Edington by the side of his first wife,
Johanna Ashley, in the south aisle of the choir. His
anniversary was kept there, the manor of Baynton being
held by the Rector for that purpose. The story is that he
had been a great supporter of the Lollards, and that he
made his peace with the Church by the grant of Baynton
manor to Edington Monastery in the year 1443.
This cursory account of the family of le Rous must ap-
pear somewhat dry and uninteresting, but no description of
the little village, so closely connected with Romsey Abbey,
would be complete without a reference to the ancient
lords of the manor. The present manor-house, standing
perhaps on the site of a more ancient one, nestles under the
great down at the head of the village. The single street is
bounded on one side by a stream fed from springs which
burst forth from the chalk, but as these are intermittent
the inhabitants are often deprived of their stream which
becomes a dry and empty watercourse. No account of
Romsey Abbey could be given without a reference to
i6o Records of Romsey Abbey.
Imber, but the village itself is not without interest by
reason of its history and seclusion ; it is a place apart, and
lives a life even in this twentieth century cut off from the
outer world.
REFERENCES.
The Close Roll.
Papal Letters, Vol. III.
B.M. Lansdowne MS., 442.
Court Roll of Steeple Ashton, P.R.O.
Ecclesiastical Documents of Exchequer, Q.R., P.R.O.
Hoare's History of Wiltshire.
Parliamentary Writs.
Wiltshire Archaeological Society's Magazine.
CHAPTER X.
A.D. 1352—1405.
ABBESS ISABELLA DE CAMOYS.
"The nuns shall not be prevailed upon to
take upon themselves the office of godmother."
Bp. William of Wykeham's Injunctions.
Chapter X.
ABBESS ISABELLA DE CAMOYS.
ISABEL DE CAMOYS was appointed Abbess on
"^ the 2Sth November, 1352, with the usual formalities.
Some of the official documents are to be found in Bishop
Edyndon's Register, but no account of the proceedings in
the Church and Chapter House at Romsey is enrolled, and
therefore no list of the sisters has survived. Such a list, so
soon after the Great Pestilence, would have been of much
interest, because it would have shown how far the pestilence
had affected the numbers in the Convent, and would have
preserved the names of those sisters who had survived this
terrible ordeal.
To this Abbess fell the task of completing the business,
begun by her predecessor, with Bishop Edyndon in the
matter of the Edington Priory. To her the Bishop left
a ring, set with one ruby, together with ;^20 in money,
for prayers for his soul. He added another ;^20 for dis-
tribution amongst the sisters, that they might perform the
like charitable office for him. To the Rector of the new
Priory of Edington, John de Aylesbury, the same Bishop
left a like sum and a silver cup with a cover. It is of
interest to notice, by way of contrast, that while he left a
like sum of £20 to St. Swithun's, the great Winchester
monastery, he only gave to Hyde, the Nunnaminster, and
Wherwell twenty marks each, or £6. xy. 4^. The will
1 64 Records of Romsey Abbey.
was proved on the 20th of October, 1366, and in it the
Bishop's father and mother are named, Roger and Amice.
Isabella de Camoys continued Abbess for forty-four
years (1352-1396), a length of time exceeded by no other
abbess, with the exception of Maud Lovell, one of her
successors in the fifteenth century. Abbess Isabella was a
member of a Sussex family of importance, her father being
Ralph de Camoys, Governor of Windsor, and her mother
Joan daughter of Hugh le Despenser, Earl of Winchester.
The family of de Camoys owned manors at Trotton
and Broadwater ; the former place lies near Selborne and
Bramshott, just beyond the Hampshire border, and the
church contains some very fine brasses to members of this
family.
Two years before Bishop Edyndon's death, a small
number of nuns had been professed by Robert Wyville,
Bishop of Salisbury, at the Bishop of Winchester's request ;
this was in the winter of 1362. The names of these ladies
were: — Johanna Borhunte, Sibilla Holte, Isabella de
Certeseye, and Thomasina Blount. The last named was
sister to Lady Alice West, daughter of Reginald Fitz-Piers,
Baron of Wolverley in Worcestershire, and wife of Sir
Thomas West, who held land in Romsey. On her death,
Lady Alice left various bequests to relatives and others,
and amongst them she left to her sister. Dame Lucy Fitz-
Herbert, Prioress of Shaftesbury, the sum of ;£'40 ; to her
sister Thomasina Blount, a nun at Romesey, 40 marks ;
and 100 shillings to the religious houses of Shaftesbury,
Romsey, and Wilton. These are the words relating to
Romsey : — " Also I bequethe to the Religiouse women the
Menchouns of the Hows of Romeseye and to the Prestes
longynge to the same Hows C.s." The will is dated at
Hinton Martel, a village in Dorsetshire, the iSth of July,
1395, so that Thomasina Blount must have been an inmate
of the Convent for over thirty-three years at the least.
Abbess Isabella de Camoys. 165
Bishop Edyndon seems to have been very watchful in
preventing the crowding of convents with a larger number
of nuns than the revenues would bear. At the beginning
of his episcopate in 1346, he wrote to St. Mary's,
Winchester, to Romsey and Wherwell " forbidding them to
take a greater number of nuns than anciently accustomed
or than can be sustained by them without penury, also
forbidding them to sell or give corrodies when the ancient
ones are vacant, or to admit any secular persons, except
necessary servants, to live within the boundaries of the
Monastery, without the Bishop's special license, and ordering
them to remove all secular persons within the Monastery
within a month from the receipt of the letter, and to let him
know the number of nuns and how they have carried out
his injunctions, before the Feast of St. Nicholas next, i.e., the
6th December." In 1363 he wrote in a similar strain, and
very probably other letters had been sent in between, for
in the latter year he complains that having heard, by public
report, that they have not obeyed his former letter, he
orders them to remove all women lodging there (perhendi-
natrices), whom they have received contrary to his letters,
within fifteen days, and to receive no others without his
special license.
His successor. Bishop William of Wykeham, however,
on 29th May, 1372, gave a special recommendation to
receive a lady as a guest. The Bishop desires them, at
the request of William Earl of Pembroke, to receive his
kinswoman, Dame Elizabeth de Berkele, during her
husband's absence on military service. The Earl was sent
to relieve Rochelle, but his ships were taken and burnt by
a Spanish fleet on midsummer eve, and he was made
prisoner. The lady's husband is named Maurice Wyth.
That the introduction of lodgers into a convent might
prove unfavourable to the peace and quiet of the sisters
1 66 Records of Romsey Abbey.
may be gathered from an event which occurred in the
winter of 1375. Certain persons broke into the houses
of the Abbess within the Abbey and carried off Joan, late
the wife of Peter Brugge, and her property, consisting of
her gold rings, gold brooches or bracelets with precious
stones, linen and woollen clothes and furs ; her chaplin,
John Stonly, aiding and abetting the felony.
On Sunday, the 19th of September, 1400, the Suffragan
Bishop, Henry of Annadown, received the following ladies as
nuns: — Margery Camoys, Alice Warennere, Joan Stratford,
Alice Northlode, Alice Forester, Elizabeth Sampson, Maud
Lovell, Katherine de la Mare, Alice Chamberlyn, Isabel
Lekforde, Alice Artone, Juliana Shirnham, and Joan Umfray,
Margery Camoys was a daughter of Sir Hugh Camoys, and
must have been a kinswoman of the Abbess Isabella, who
died in 1396. Alice Forester was, it is likely, a daughter
of John and Elizabeth Forester, who held land at Goycroft
and Wells in Romsey under the Abbey. John had died
some five years previously, and Bishop Henry, perhaps the
Suffragan, was commissioned on 4th September, 1400, to
receive the vow of Elizabeth, relict of John Forester, of
Romsey, and deliver to her the veil and ring of chastity.
Fosbroke, in his British Monachism, says of these vows
of mourning widows that they were very ancient : " The
Anglo-Saxon widows made them, and the women wore a
ring and russett gown. The Bishop of the diocese issued
a commission, and besides observing the vow, the widow
was for life to wear a veil and a mourning habit. Both
were duly consecrated ; the veil was put on by the priest,
but the ring only was sufficient." An example of the
fourteenth century describes how the Bishop of Ely him-
self, after celebrating Mass, received a lady's vow of
chastity and solemnly consecrated and put upon the said
vowess the mantle and ring.
Abbess Isabella de Camoys. 167
Maud Lovell afterwards became Abbess, and did not
die till 1462. The Leckfords, of Leckford, had dealings
with the Abbey from early days, and about this time
Thomas Leckford held property under the Abbess. Joan
Umfray was no doubt a kinswoman of John Umfray,
appointed vicar of S. Laurence in 1400. That thirteen
nuns should have been received at once seems to indicate
either a number of deaths or an improvement in the
financial state of the Convent. It can hardly indicate
a lack of candidates in previous years, in the face of
Bishop Edyndon's letters, quoted above.
"The profession of nuns," says Mr. Fosbroke, "could be
done by an Abbott or Visitor of the House after the year
of probation and change of habit, and could be applied
to any woman, whether virgin or not. Nuns were usually
professed at the age of sixteen years." The entries relating
to Romsey, which have been quoted from the Episcopal
Registers, seem to refer to profession. There was another
and a very elaborate service for the consecration of a nun,
which could only be performed by the Bishop, and could
not take place until the sister was twenty-five years old.
It was inapplicable to widows, and was reserved for virgin
nuns only.
" The virgin, after the beginning of Mass and before
the reading of the Epistle, came before the altar, robed in
white, carrying the religious habit in her right hand and
an extinguished taper in her left. The habit she laid
before the altar, at the Bishop's feet, and held the taper
in her hand. The Bishop then consecrated the habit and
gave it to her, the veil excepted, saying : ' Take, girl, the
robe, which you shall wear in innocence,' upon which she
went into the re-vestry, put it on, and returned with a
lighted taper in her hand, singing : ' I love Christ '
Then, after the Epistle, Gospel and Creed, the Bishop
1 68 Records of Romsey Abbey.
said : ' Come ! come ! come ! daughters, I will teach you
the fear of the Lord,' upon which the nun came before
the altar singing : — ' And now we follow with our whole
hearts.' A Litany was then said by the clerks and seven
Psalms by the Bishop, after which the Bishop arose and
began the Veni Creator ; then the nun arose and came
before the altar, when the Bishop put the veil on her
head as she stooped. She then made her profession,
placed a cross on the altar, and said three times : ' Receive
me, O Lord,' after which she lay prostrate before the altar
whilst certain Psalms were sung, etc." For a full and
complete account of the service, reference must be made
to Mr. Fosbroke's British Monachism ; the extract here
made will sufifice to give some idea of the nature of the
ceremony.
There are two strange cases of the excommunication
of nuns in the middle of the century. The first case is
that of Margaret Poyns, who had laid violent hands upon
the vicar, and, what was worse, she had committed the
assault within the church. No reason is given for this
extraordinary act on the nun's part, nor is there any means
of knowing how far the vicar may have been to blame,
but the sister is censured in no measured terms in the
document by which the Bishop gives to two clergy com-
mission to absolve her.
This vicar was Nicholas de Boteleston,* i.e., of Botulph's
town, or Boston, Lincolnshire. He had been vicar for some
twelve years at the time (1347), having been appointed in
1334. He died soon after in the Great Pestilence. The
derivation of his name is made practically certain by an
entry in the Patent Rolls under 24th of June, 1347: —
" Nicholas, Vicar of Romsey, acknowledges that he owes to
Master J. de Offord, Dean of St. Mary's Church, Lincoln,
* His seal is given on another page.
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Abbess Isabella de Camoys. 169
;^ioo, to be levied, in default of payment, of his lands and
chattels and ecclesiastical goods in Co. Southampton."
The other case is that of Margery de Rye. On the
20th of March, 1368, the Bishop appointed John Turke,
the Rector of Michelmersh, to hear the confession of
Margery, or Marion de Rye. He authorised him to
absolve her from the crime of apostacy if she is guilty.
He had already on the 8th of February written to the
Abbess saying that "he is informed that this nun has
doffed the veil, and sits not in the choir with the nuns
but in the nave with other women, and frequents private
rooms, concerting and gossiping there with secular persons
contrary to the decorum of her profession and the orders
of the Abbess, neither worshipping in the choir nor saying
the hours." The Abbess is enjoined to admonish her to
resume the veil and conform to rule. In the September
following, the Bishop again writes, saying : " He hears
that Marion is disobedient. The Abbess may compel
her to conform by any discipline not endangering life,
using her own discretion in so doing."
Another vicar was the occasion of trouble in the
Convent, and this time the priest was clearly in the
wrong. The trouble arose over the blessing of the palms
for Palm Sunday, as may be seen by an extract from
Bishop William of Wykeham's Register : — " It hath been
the usage from the time whereof the memory of man
runneth not to the contrary, that the Sacrist of the Abbey
Church shall bless the palms and boughs of other trees
used at Mass on Palm Sunday, and that from the High
Altar and not elsewhere. Yet so it is, that the Vicar, John
Folyot, John Mascal, and John , chaplains, have
interfered with the Sacrist in the exercise of this privilege.
Wherefore the Dean of Somborn is ordered to inhibit the
vicar and chaplains, pending a decision of a cause promoted
lyo Records of Romsey Abbey.
by the Abbess and Convent against them. Dated the
13th March, 1372."
During the latter part of the fourteenth century the
Abbey received certain advantages. King Richard the
Second, after the inspection of the Convent's charters,
given by his predecessors, confirmed them on the loth of
May, 1 390. The Abbey's copy is in the possession of the
Right Honourable Evelyn Ashley, of Broadlands ; it is the
only document, of the many that were once stored in the
Convent treasury, which has survived the general destruc-
tion and remained in the neighbourhood. A fresh
confirmation was issued by Henry the Fourth on 20th
of February, 1401, and again by Edward the Fourth on
1st of July, 1462.
Gifts were made to the Abbess and Convent in 1360
by Walter Nott, parson of the Church of Muchelmersh
and John Peuseys, chaplain, and John Wodefeld. The
first two donors gave a messuage, an acre of land and a
perch and 4s. rent, and also 6s. rent issuing from a
messuage held by one John and Isabel Ablyngton, as
long as they live. The last two donors give a messuage,
and this property was in Romseye parish. Walter Nott
adds sixteen acres of land and 3^. rent in Romseye and
Sydmanton. These premises were held of the Abbey in
socage by service of 12s. yearly.
A similar gift followed in 1367, when Martin Moulysh,
clerk, Richard Pauncefot, William de Putton, Joan widow
of Gregory de Hoghton, John Menstede the Vicar of
Romsey, and John le Forester made donations to the
Abbey. The various properties consisted of messuages in
Romsey, eleven in number, and six shops ; the gift of
Widow Joan is charged to Walter de Sevenhampton the
Prebendary, in 35. 6d. a year, and a part of the land was
in Stanbridge. The gift of the Vicar and John le Forester
Abbess Isabella de Camoys. 171
was a large one, besides three messuages and six shops,
they gave two ploughlands, fifteen acres of land, eighty-
four acres of meadow, sixty-four acres of wood, £1. i is. g^d
rent, and these lay in Romeseye, Rugge or Ridge, Totton,
Terstwode, Magna More, Parva More, and Forde by Eure,
now Oure. This gift, however, only came to the Abbey at
the death of William and John Malewayn, to whom they
were first given. Richard Pauncefot, one of the donors,
was a member of the family who ail through the Middle
Ages held the Manor of Mayneston on the farther side of
Middlebridge, together with the farm up the hill which
still bears their name. William de Putton was seneschal,
or steward, of the Abbey, and held land at Stanbridge.
The Malewayns were of Testwode, and their name survived
as a place name at the Suppression of the Abbey, when in
the account roll of the King's bailiff mention is made of
Moore Court and Moore Malwayn. John Menstede was
appointed vicar at the time of the Great Pestilence, his
immediate predecessor, William de Bures, having only
survived for a few months ; his successor, John Folyot
who was made famous or infamous over the dispute about
" blessing the palms," was appointed between the date of
this gift in 1 367 and the dispute in 1 372. Another vicar,
Roger Purye, appointed in 1380, received a share in a
benefit conferred on the parsons of Asshe, Romsey, Fak-
combe, and Somborne by Walter Skylling. The latter had
in 1364 obtained a grant from John Lord Talmache in
respect of a property in Up Somborne, and he gave, at the
later date, ;£^40 annual rent, charged on the manor there, to
John Peusey of Asshe, Roger Purye of Romsey, Thomas
Thorold of Fakcombe, and John Cole of Somborne.
Lucy Everard succeeded Isabel de Camoys as Abbess,
the proceedings took about a month, beginning the 17th
of April and ending i6th May, 1396. Before the close of
172 Records of Romsey Abbey.
the year Bishop William of Wykeham issued a commis-
sion to Nicholas Wykeham, Archdeacon of Wiltshire, and
John Elmere, his official, to visit the Abbey the 8th of
September, 1396. This was done, and the Injunctions
which followed the Visitation are to be found, not as
usual in the Bishop's Registers, but in a small folio pre-
served at New College, Oxford. These Injunctions are
said to be especially interesting. Amongst other matters,
the sisters are strictly charged not to be prevailed upon to
take upon themselves the office of godmother, it entailing
various inconvenient results. The opening page of these
Injunctions will be found on another page. The details
cannot be given, as the MS. is not at the present time
available. Abbess Lucy Everard, like several of her pre-
decessors, seems to have become infirm, for the Bishop on
2ist August, 1402, gave her permission to hear Divine
service in her oratory, for one year, one of the sisters and
her servants to be present. She died soon afterwards, and
it was not long before the Bishop himself departed this life,
nor, with the exception of one important matter to be
related in the next chapter, is there any further informa-
tion about Romsey during this great Prelate's episcopate.
REFERENCES.
Episcopal Registers.
Patent Rolls.
Inquisitiones a. q. d.
CHAPTER XI.
A.D. 1340— 1540.
THE PARISH CHURCH AND TOWN.
The Parish Church has been and is much too little
fitted for such a place and for so large a population."
Register of Bishep William of Wykeham.
CHAPTER XI.
THE PARISH CHURCH AND TOWN.
TOURING the fifteenth century, and even earlier, the
towns which were under ecclesiastical Lords, the
Bishops, Abbotts, and Priors, engaged in a continual
struggle to gain a greater independence. Many succeeded
in winning certain liberties and rights, and the system of
town government by the town gradually came into being.
Nothing of the sort appears to have taken place in the ca"se
of Romsey ; indeed the town was too small to have had
much independent existence apart from the great Abbey
which overshadowed it.
An idea of the size of the town in the middle of the
fourteenth century may be gained from a list of inhabitants
who paid the tax of a fifteenth in 1340 to the Royal
Treasury, The town was divided then as now into two
parts, Romsey Infra and Romsey Extra, or Romsey within
and Romsey without the bridge, the dividing line being
the Fishlet or Fishlake stream. This stream was crossed
by Porter's Bridge in the neighbourhood of the present
Berthon Boat Works, by the Hundred Bridge on the
eastern side of the Market Place, and by the Broad Bridge
by Broadwater at the entrance to Banning Street. The
stream then as now continued its course down Middlebridge
Street. This part of the town indicated by Romsey Infra
would be the streets which lay immediately around the
176 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Church, viz. Church or Church-style Street, Cherville (per-
haps Church-ville) Street, Porter's or the Porte Bridge
Street, the Market Place, and the west side of Middle or
Myll Bridge Street. Romsey Extra would mean the
hundred and its continuation, known in former times as
Spitel Street, now the Winchester Road, Lullane, now Love
Lane, Lortemere, now Latimer Street, Bannok, now Ban-
ning Street, Brodelond Style, and possibly the country
district around.
The list for 1340 gives fifty-six families for Romsey
Infra and sixteen for Romsey Extra. If an average of
five members is allowed to a family, the total for the Infra
district would be 280, and for the Extra 80, giving
a combined total of 360 inhabitants. There must have
been many families who paid no tax, besides household
servants, but if the number given above be trebled it will
only give a population of about lOOO persons for the town,
apart from the inhabitants of the Abbey. Even if the
town were somewhat larger than this it would not have
been of sufficient size, nor its inhabitants of sufficient
weight, to have sought any very serious independence of
the courts and officers of the great Abbey.
The highest tax paid by any individual was 6s., and
the lowest \2d. ; the total for the Infra part was £6. 135.,
and for the Extra part 40J. 4^., making the whole tax of
a fifteenth paid by Romsey ;^8. 13J. 4^. There is no
certain method of comparing the value of money then and
now ; it has been suggested that the pay of a chaplain or
chantry priest may be compared with that of a modern
curate, both representing a "living wage," and so giving
a standard of comparison. From 11 30 down to at least
1234-5 the pay of the chaplain in Windsor Castle was
30J. id. per annum, or id. per day. From as early as
1239-40 it rose to 50^., and so continued to quite as late as
The Parish Church and Town. 177
1315. The next year one of the chaplains was to be paid
ten marks or £6. 13^. 4^., three others 100^. or ;^5, and
others 50J. In 13 17-18 all four chaplains were paid
£6. 13J. /^d. This latter sum, if multiplied by 22, gives
nearly ;^I50 per annum. Mr. Charles Wall, in his recently
published book Shrines of British Saints, says that moneys
of the thirteenth century, multiplied by 24, will approx-
imately give the relative value. For moneys of circa
1400 the same writer multiplies by 16. The date of the
Romsey tax falling between these two dates, 20 may be
used for the multiplier. If this is a correct way of repre-
senting moneys of the fourteenth century in present day
values, the men of Romsey were assessed on a sum of
;£'26oo, and paid for a tax of a fifteenth £171. 6s. %d. The
highest individual assessment was on a sum of £go, and
the lowest on £\^ ; the highest tax paid was £6, and the
lowest ;^i ; but these sums of £gQ and £\^ must not be
supposed to represent the incomes of individual tax-payers.
It is to be regretted that there is no means of arriving at
a certain knowledge of the worldly wealth of the Romsey
folk at this date, which would have been a matter of some
interest.
But whilst the men of the town were no doubt the
Abbey's men, there are indications that the town had some
little individuality of its own. An interesting letter
addressed to the King, concerning the tax in 1338, is
signed by four individuals, and their seals are attached on
behalf of their fellow-townsmen. These men were William
de Codewell, Thomas de Bourne, John le Bacch, and
Andrew Parlebien. The first two occur again in the list
of taxpayers in 1340. William paid the highest tax of 6j.,
whilst Thomas paid 3^. These men may be supposed to
have been chosen for the purpose of representing the town
and to have been responsible for the payment of the tax.
178 Records of Romsey Abbey.
This letter is in French, and the substance of it is worth
copying. The list of taxpayers of 1340 is also printed.
Letter of the Men of Romesye to the King.
To the most excellent and noble lord, Lord Edward by the
grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of
Aquitaine, his liege men of the town of Romesye commend
themselves to him in whatever services, reverence and honours
they can. We certify to your high Lordship that we have received
your letters of trust sent to us by your clerk Alayn de Boys, on
which trust we were charged that we ought to send to you all the
money which it pertains to us to pay for the fifteenth of our goods
for the two years next to come, for great affairs touching you and
your passage ; and, on account of various charges and grievances
of debts of our wool, corn, malt, beasts, waggons and our victuals
to great costs, for the guard on the sea, we cannot fully perform
the abovesaid payment, but we will send to Ipswich 8/. and 4d.,
which is the fifteenth of one year, so that the said money shall be
there on Sunday next after the feast of the translation of Saint
Thomas (7th July) ; of the remainder of which, we pray respite
until the time of payment which is lately granted, for certain, in
Parhament. In witness of performance of the payment of the
said 8/. and 41/. at the day and place abovesaid, William de
Codewell, Thomas de Bourne, John le Bacch and Andrew
Parlebien, four men of the said town of Romesie have put their
seals to these letters. Given at Romesie the last day of June, the
twelfth year of your reign (a.d. 1338).
Subsidy Roll.
Co. Southampton. First payment of subsidy granted
14 Edward III (a.d. 1340):—
Taxacio xv'^ villa de Romeseye infra Pontem.
Witto Sewy iij§. Wal?o Langeforde xijd.
Simone Molendinar iijs. Robto Pottar xijd
Wifto Stermer iij§. Rico Edemond xijd.
Witto Codeuelle vjs. Hen? Stur ijS.
The Parish Church and Town.
179
Johe Estemeste
xijd.
Phipo le Thrustell
xviijd.
Thom de Bourn
iijs.
Juliana Goldefynch ij§.
Henf Goury
iij§.
Robto Soylde
ijd.
Johe le Boghyer
iijg.
Ad lowys
vjg.
Jacobo Poun
v§.
Ediiio Irmonger
iijg.
Johe Hounde
xijd.
Johe Pach
iiijs.
Johe Dounebrug
xviijd.
Stepho Carnifex
xijd.
Rog'o Frost
iiig.
Johe Kyry
iijg.
Wifto Poun
ijs.
Margaif Uppehull
iiijg.
Agne? Gobet
iijs.
Johe Goury
xviijd.
Christina Poun
vs.
Wal?o Leche
xijd.
Johanna Scharprust ijg.
Robto Marays
iijg.
Nicho Freyr
xviijd.
Thoih Burgeys
xiid.
Rohto Vrleby
iijs.
Johe Burgeys
xijd.
Rico Taillour
xijd.
Jacobo Hayward
vjs.
Henr Mourtone
xviijd.
Henr Frend
iiig.
Johe Barbour
xijd.
Johe Rayour
xijd.
Johe Lyme
xijd.
Johe PuUebrig
iijg.
Rico atte Wythe
xviijd.
Witto Gille
vjg.
Wal?o Taillour
xijd.
Ad atte Burgg
vjg.
Thoiii Fraunkeleyn xijd.
Johe de Shaftesbury xijd.
Witto atte Pile
xijd.
Johe Solrugg
xijd.
Wifto Wattedene
ijs.
Marco Tamar
xijd.
Wifto Gatte
iij§.
Rico Maynard
iijg.
Total
vjti. xiijg.
Taxacia xv""
ville de Romesey extra Pontem.
Johe Webbe
vjg.
Thom Shephird
ijs. xd.
Johe atte Felde
vs.
Johe Gyffard
xijd.
Ad le Cokf
xijd.
Johe Laittf
xviijd.
Isold atte Corner
xijd.
Marfia Webbe
xijd.
Henr Stour
iiijs.
Thoin Gunry
xijd.
Witto Tolfry
v§.
Rico Snayl
ijg.
Wifto Melemag'
ijg.
Witto Baker
xijd.
Johe Glut^
vs.
Johe Baker
xijd.
Total
xlg. iiijd.
i8o Records of Romsey Abbey.
Nine years later came the Great Pestilence, and the
town no doubt suffered no less than the Abbey, but a
recovery is indicated at the close of the century by a
significant entry in the Episcopal Register of Bishop
William of Wykeham. The Bishop had made an enquiry
in 1372 as to who was liable for the repairs of the north
aisle of the Minster. Now the north aisle had been for
years, and was probably always, the parish church of
S. Laurence, separated by screens from the nave of the
Minster, and reserved for the use of the townsfolk. This
aisle was in an unsatisfactory condition ; the poverty
ensuing on the Great Pestilence may well have been the
cause of neglected repairs and consequent decay. The
Bishop, who is celebrated for his zeal in building and
for his love of architecture, was the very man to make
his influence felt about even so small a church. The
repairs taken in hand at the time cannot now be
enumerated, but the matter did not rest with repairs, for
on lOth May, 1403, on the application of the Vicar, John
Umfray, and the parishioners, a faculty was granted to pull
down the north aisle, from the transept to the porch, and
to rebuild it on a larger scale. The Bishop, when issuing
his license, speaks of the church as too confined and mean
to hold the parishioners when they come together on the
Lord's day, or on Festivals, to hear divine service. He
commends their desire to make their church larger and
more beautiful, and points to the Jews as an example for
the adornment of Christian churches. If they for the
sacrifice of dead creatures adorned their temples, how
much more should Christians, with deep affection and
ardent zeal, care for the beauty of the house in which the
true and living sacrifice is offered upon the altar.
The Bishop then speaks of the number of the parish-
ioners, of either sex, belonging to the church, observing
y. ^
The Parish Church and Town. i8i
that it is the only church in the town, and that the town is
likely to become notable, and concludes by declaring that
the church has been and is too little fitted for such a place,
and for so large a population.
On the issue of the license, the work of pulling down
or rather of piercing the north wall, was proceeded with,
and a new wall was built further north in a line with the
north wall of the transept, enclosing by this means a large
additional space, the width of the transept. The new
building became the nave of the new parish church, the old
church becoming the aisle of the new one. The west wall
of the transept was pierced, and the latter became the
chancel of the enlarged church, separated off from the
Minster by a carved oak screen, the cresting of which still
survives and occupies a place on the top of the modern
screen in the Abbey Church. The late Vicar, the Rev. E.
L. Berthon, describes how he found "far away under one of
the old roofs, these ancient oak carvings of heads in trefoils,
with a curious cresting above." The history of the screen
anterior to this is to be found in a Historical and Descriptive
Companion to Romsey Abbey of the year 1828. " There is,"
it says, " a curious oaken screen of neat Gothic workman-
ship, which now separates the west end from the part
which is fitted up for worship. It formerly stood in the
northern transept, and separated it from the body of the
church, but when the alteration in the pewing was made
it was removed to the place it now occupies, immedi-
ately under the organ ; it was then painted. The top of
the screen is crowned with running foliage, underneath
which, in twenty-three Gothic trefoils, are as many carved
faces. They are evidently portraits, very tolerably executed,
and on this account curious and interesting. One of them
is crowned, and all of them have their heads covered either
with flowing hair, or wigs, or caps. The last on the right
1 82 Records of Romsey Abbey.
hand is a head thrusting out its tongue — perhaps a sportive
essay of the carver."
Besides granting a faculty, the Bishop wrote a letter to
the Abbess begging her to encourage and assist the vicar
in this considerable undertaking. So extensive an enlarge-
ment, and one that must have been costly, points to a no
inconsiderable increase in the population of the town, and
to a desire for a more dignified church with ampler
accommodation. This desire exhibits a growing feeling,
on the part of the town, of its individual importance.
The interest in the parish church was maintained,
a slight indication of which is found in the will of Thomas
Shotter, 1464-67. After expressing his desire to be buried
in the parish church of S. Laurence de Romsey, he
bequeaths for the fabric of the new aisle, 6s. 8d., for
repairing the books a like sum, for a light, 6d., and to the
vicar, 6s. 8d. Another bequest is of much interest: he
leaves to the Brotherhood of S. George 20s. The exact
date of the institution of this Brotherhood is not at present
ascertained, but a chantry for it was founded on the 17th
February, 1475, when King Edward IV granted letters
patent for this object.
" We have granted and given a license," so runs the
letter, "to our beloved cousin William, Earl of Arundel,
William Berkeley, Esquire, Edward Berkeley, Esquire, and
Robert Berell, also to John Baker, Robert Blake, John
Holme, and John Bacon, wardens of the church of S.
Laurence of Romsey, that they, eight, seven, six, five, four,
three, two, or one of them, may, to the glory of God and
the increase of divine worship, and of S. George the
Martyr, found, .... a certain perpetual chantry for one
chaplain for ever, to celebrate mass every day in the parish
church, .... for our good estate and that of our well-
beloved consort Elizabeth, Queen of England, and Edward,
The Parish Church and Town. 183
our eldest son, while we live, and for our souls when we
shall have departed from this world, .... and for the
founders above-mentioned ; the chaplain is permitted to
receive property to the value of £S."
The existence of this Brotherhood and the foundation
of this chantry indicates a growing sense of distinct cor-
porate life on the part of the town and parishioners. By
or before the last quarter of the century this feeling would
seem to have been further quickened, for on the nth of
June, 1485, eight men gave twelve messuages, twelve
gardens, ten acres of land and four acres of meadow in
Rommesey to this chaplain. The premises were worth
66s. 8d., and were given in part satisfaction of the ;^8
worth of land which the late King had granted license to
the said chaplain to purchase. The donors were Simon
Crowchman, Stephen Cooke, William Tornour, John Eseby,
Robert Whityng, Stephen Hayward, John Emery, and
Richard Moore. One property lay in Bromcroft in
Mayenston within the town, and was held of Walter
Paunsfote Knight.
From about this time the wills of parishioners help to
throw light upon the parish church and its customs.
William Molens, a dyer, dates his will i8th August, 1494 ;
it was proved on loth January following. The beginning
may be quoted at length : —
" I bequeath my soul to Almighty God, our Lady Saint Mary,
and to all the holy company of heaven, and my body to be
buried before the image of Saint Katerin in the north aisle of the
parish church of S. Laurence in Romsey, if it please God that
I should decease there. Also I bequeath to the altar of S.
Laurence and to the vicar of the same for my tithes forgotten,
6s. &d., to pray for my soul. Also I bequeath to the fraternity
of S. George in Romsey 35. ^d. Item.— To maintain the light
before the image of S. Katherin, i lb. of wax yearly during the
1 84 Records of Romsey Abbey.
term of seven years. Item. — To the church works, ds. Sd. Item.
— To the mother church of S. Swythin in Winchester, 2od.
Also I will that a priest sing S. Gregoris trentall for my soul the
year immediately after my departing following, out of this life.
Item. — I will that there be dispersed among poor people in alms
by the month's day, ids. Sd. Item. — I will that my year's mind be
kept yearly, while there be sufficient goods of mine to maintain it."
In almost every will made at the beginning of the six-
teenth century a bequest is made to the Brotherhood of
S. George. Robert Martyn (6th May, 1502) gives 2od. or
about £1 in present day money; John Gate (iSth May,
1502) gives id., i.e., 2s., and a like sum to the Brotherhood
of S. Laurence; William Jamys (21st June, 1502) gives
i2d. i.e., i2s. ; John Raynold (31st March, 1505) gives two
Patellas ; Peronilla Rawlyn (21st January, 1509) a napkin
of diaper. Besides the Brotherhoods of S. George and
S. Laurence there was a Brotherhood of the Holy and
Undivided Trinity, to which John Raynold left 4d., i.e., 4s.
In connection with this Brotherhood there seems to have
been an image in the church, for John Courle in 1504,
besides leaving 2od., i.e., £i,to the high altar of S. Laurence,
and like sums for the fabric and for S. George's Brother-
hood, he gives i2d., i.e., 12s., for the sustentation of a light
kept before the image of the Holy and Undivided Trinity.
This John seems to have carried on the business of a
weaver, for he leaves to his son Thomas "4 textrina, or
instruments for weaving, commonly called Comes." One
parishioner who desires to be buried before the image of
S. Katrine gives nine sheep to the image, no doubt for
the maintenance of a light.
Thomas Laycroft makes his will on 5th October, 1530;
he had been one of the bailiffs of the Abbey, and was
severely reprimanded by Bishop Fox in 1 506. He makes
the following bequests : —
The Parish Church and Town. 185
1. HighAltarofS.Laurence,ij.8(jC 9. S.Rasymus'(Erasmus')light,2«/.
2. Brotherhood ofS. George, 3 J. 4^. 10. S. Katerin's light, 2rf'.
3. Brotherhood of Jesus, 4^. 11. S. Blase's* light, 2d.
4. God's rode in the Abbay syde, 12. S. John's light, 2d.
4<^ To the mending of the cawsey
5. Church works of S. Laurence, towards Tymsbery, i^. 4^.
6j. 8(/. My house in the Hundred to John
6. Trinite light, ^d. Laycroft my son for life, and
7. S. Anthony's light, 2d. afterwards to the Howse of
8. S. Clement's light, 2d. Edyngton.
John Beyre of Asthold in 1532 gives to S. George's
Brotherhood a cow, and the cow is not to be sold, but to
be put forth to hyre, paying yearly for mayntayng of the
priest ?id., and 4^'. to the bedz rolle. This is the only
mention of S. George's bede roll.
These gifts to the parish church and brotherhoods
continue to the time of the Suppression of the Monastery
in 1539 and beyond that period. Stephen Hayes in his
will, dated 7th July, 1537, bequeathes to his son Thomas
"my stocks of bees; I will that he shall find a 2 lb. taper — a
hallfe of wax — before the rode (rood or great Crucifix), in
the Abbay of Romsey." In the next year, 13th January,
1538, William Hill bequeathes for S. George's light lib.
of wax, for S. John the Baptist's i lb. of wax and a like
bequest to the lights of S. Christopher, S. Roche, and
S. Clement. In this same year, 31st December, 1538, a
brotherhood once mentioned in previous wills is spoken of.
John Pydman bequeathes unto the Brotherhood of Jesus
in the Parish Church, a sheep, called a wether ; and in
1540, 13th April, John Bull, a wealthy mercer, desires to
be buried in the Chapel of Jesus within the Parish Church
of S. Laurence, and leaves money to S. George's Guild,
which was therefore still maintained.
* Bishop Blase, the patron saint of weavers ; an inn with this sign survives
to the present day in Romsey.
1 86 Records of Romsey Abbey.
As late as 13th and 23rd January, 1544, John Horeloke,
who desires to be buried in the bodye of the Church of
Romeseye in the est (east) syde of the fonte there, leaves
IS. 8d. to the High Altar arid to the use of the same
Church a cowe, which Thomas George hath in keping,
and gives to the use of the fraternitie of S. George his
clothe Racke, that is overryght the house and tenement
of the said fraternitie.
The bequest of John Barwyke, 13th December, 1539,
to this Brotherhood of a cow is worded so quaintly that it
must be quoted in full : —
"To the Brotherhood of S. George, a live cow worth 8s. And
I will that the cow be put forth to hire for 1 2d. by the year, and to
answer the cow for ever alive. Provided always that if the cow
die of murrain or any other sickness within the space of eight
years following, then I will that my executors shall buy another
cow in the stead, so the cow shall not die within the space of
eight years to no man's loss but mine. And after that year ended
I will that the parish, that is to say the Brotherhood, do maintain
a cow alive at the cost of the said Brotherhood and of no man's
else for ever. And if the Brotherhood refuse thus to do at any
time, then I will that my executors do take the cow again from
them or the price which should be 8s. and to dispose it among
poor people to pray for my soul," etc.
One more point must be quoted from this will, his
executors are to find a priest to sing for him and his friends
in the Church of Romsey for the space of a year, having
twenty nobles for his wage, the priest is to be a quireman
and to kepe the quire daily.
In 1534, just before the suppression of the monasteries,
the chantry of St. George was valued at £4. i6s. 8d., but
amongst the Certificates of Colleges (time of Edward VI)
a view of this chantry is given, and throws further light
upon the nature of the chantry and its value. It is
described as : —
The Parish Church and Town. 187
"One Chauntry or Brotherhood of St. George. The said
Chauntrye or Brotherhede of Seynt George ys sutwate and
founded within the prshe Church of Seynt George in Romesey.
The Inhabitants of the same prshe to have a prest to synge and
say daily in the prshe Churche of Romesey as for the ayde and
helpe of the Curate and for the ease of the pryshnors there.
And the said Prest to have for hys salary or stipend as hereafter
folowth : — The value of the said Chantry or Brotherhood by the
yere, ;£S. gs. 4^. For Rent resolute, £1. ^s. 2d. For the Prest,
£fi. For the Tenths, £,\. 2s. 2.d. Ornaments, plate, jeuelle,
goods, catalls merly apperteyng to the said chauntre or brother-
hood the worthe as apperyt by the Inventory praysed, ^28. \os"
If money was worth twelve times its present value, and
the capital from which the above income was drawn
realized five per cent, this capital with the money value of
goods would represent a total of some ;^2342, no incon-
siderable sum for the parishioners to have got together.
Little remains to be told of the Brotherhood. In a
grant by Henry VIII, 17th December, 1544, to a Messrs.
Foster and Marden, a piece of meadow in Waldyng is
spoken of as lying between the lands of the Brotherhood
and those of Nicholas Welles. In 1606 the Brotherhood
lands paid to the Crown ;^39. 15J. \kd. as a fee farm rent
for ever. The following extract from the Patent Roll of
1614, in the time of King James I, no doubt refers to this,
and suggests that the Guild was then in existence : —
" Grant to Anne, Queen Consort, of a yearly rent or fee farm
of ;^39. i6j. ^\d. from the manor of Romsey Extra except 2s. 4d.
payable to the brotherhood of S. George in Romesey, for rent
resolute, and ;£i allowed to the Vicar of Romsey for rent or farm
of a customary tenement ; to hold for term of life." i6th February.
A deed of 1654, preserved in the Town Hall Records,
shows that these lands were sold to the Corporation.
In the Hampshire Chronicle of 27th April, 1829, an
entry records a faint echo of the once honoured Brother-
1 88 Records of Romsev Abbey.
hood : — " S. George's Day was observed here with the
usual demonstrations of loyalty, ringing of bells, etc."
Perhaps it is not too late to rescue a memory of the past,
and at the same time encourage the patriotic spirit, by a
renewed observance in Romsey of 23rd April, as the
Feast of England's Patron Saint. The whole history of
S. George's Guild, meagre as it is, points to a strong
corporate feeling on the part of the townsmen with regard
to their parish church, and indirectly indicates a sense of
individual life on the part of the town from the middle or
close of the fourteenth century. This feeling culminated
in the very meritorious action of the parish, taken after the
Suppression, by the purchase, on 20th February, 1544, of
the Abbey Church itself for £'loo for the use of the
parishioners. This transaction will be described in a
subsequent chapter.
REFERENCES.
Subsidy Roll. P.R.O.
Ancient Correspondence. P.R.O.
Episcopal Register.
Ancient Wills — Somerset House, and Winchester
Probate Registry.
CHAPTER XII.
A.D. 1405 — 1472.
THE MANOR COURT ROLLS.
"We are perhaps too much accustomed to think of
' the Religious Houses ' as only the peaceful abodes of
comemplation and retirement, and forget the immense
amount of business that of necessity devolved upon them. "
The Rev. R. H. Clutterbuck, p.s.a.
Chapter XII.
THE MANOR COURT ROLLS.
"^XTHEN Bishop William of Wykeham died, he left to
' Felicia Aas, a nun of Romsey, ;^s, and to each of
the other nuns 135. a^d., and to the Abbess, Lucy Everard,
five marks ; he also remitted a debt of £ap, due to him
from the Abbey, which was to be applied to the church
and cloister repairs. Felicia Aas is said to have been
second cousin to the Bishop ; if she may be identified with
the daughter of Ralph Aas, mentioned in the De Banco
Rolls of 1363-4, she must have been of mature age at the
time of the Bishop's death, 27th September, 1404. She
was appointed ruler of the Abbey soon after this event.
There is no entry in Bishop Beaufort's Register of her
appointment, but the Patent Roll [6 Henry IV, pt. 2] shows
that the election took place between 30th July and 27th
August, 1405.
One or two notes about the vicars at this time have
survived. John Umfray, appointed in 1400, had a Papal
indult granted him in 1404 for three years, while studying
letters at a university, or residing in the Roman Court, or
on one of his benefices. He was still vicar in 141 3, when
he acted as receiver of the Abbey, and he is mentioned by
the steward in his account roll of Edyndon. In a will of
one of the townsmen, John Keredyf, or Cardiff, dated
20th August, and proved 4th October, 1420, a further
192 Records of Romsey Abbey.
reference is made to John Umfray, vicar of S. Laurence, to
whom a bequest is left of ^s. 4d. No other mention of
vicars occurs till John Kent exchanged the benefice of S.
Laurence, Romsey, with John Bailey for the rectory of
S. Laurence, Winchester, in 1452. This leaves a gap
of thirty-two years, but if Vicar Kent had possession for
twenty years before his exchange, which is quite possible,
there may be only one, if any, name missing in the list of
vicars. The average incumbency of the preceding vicars is
about twelve years, the longest being twenty years and the
shortest four years, with the exception of that of William
de Bures, who only survived a few months in the dread
period of the Great Pestilence.
The townsman John Keredyf, in his will, not only
remembered the vicar of his parish, but also the Prior of
Mottisfont, to whom he bequeathed 6s. 8d., the convent
there to pray for the souls of himself and his parents. He
also left I2d. for the fabric of Winchester Cathedral, and
6s. 8d. for the fabric of Romsey Abbey and 6s. 8d. for the
church of Abbott's Ann. He desired to be buried in
the parish church of S. Laurence, and requested that a
distribution of certain sums of money should be made to
the various officers, as for instance to the clerk John Sexton
and to the chaplain John Stapylforde.
A note in the Reeve's account roll of Edyngdon, 1413-14,
is interesting. It says : — " Two geese as a gift to the
chaplain celebrating mass in the chapel of S. Ethelfleda on
S. Ethelfleda's day." Another account roll, apparently that
of the steward or receiver, shows the income and expenses
of the Convent ; it is dated 1412-13, whilst Felicia Aas
was still Abbess. The revenues were drawn from rents,
from the Abbey farms, from the sale of works (operum),
wool, corn, and malt, and from the perquisites of the manor
courts ; all these were collected from Steeple Aishton,
The Manor Court Rolls. 193
Edyndon, Romeseye, Moure Malewayn near Romsey,
Sydemanton, and Ichenstoke ; they totalled a sum of
;^404. 6s. o\d., perhaps some ;^6soo of present day money.
This Account Roll, printed overleaf, is of no little
interest, since it gives an insight into the homely affairs
of the Convent life, and deals with food, clothes, servants,
horse-hire, repairs of buildings, and alms, and might, in
part, be the balance sheet of any large household.
It may be worth noticing that rents and grain yield
the larger part of the income ; and that, if the various
expenses and repairs, numbered 4 and 5, be taken to-
gether, the expenditure resolves itself into about four
equal sums.
The cost of the Abbess' establishment seems to have
equalled and exceeded that of the sisters ; but she appears
to have paid the servants' wages, and this and some other
items may have benefitted the Convent at large. The
largest item of expense in the whole account is that in-
curred by the Abbess and her separate household, £si- 4s. ;
and next to this comes " tenths " paid to the King,
;£'40. 1 3 J. 4d.
The total expenditure exceeded the receipts by
;£'28. 19J. 2d., but the account was altered by another
£B. OS. Sd being spent on the Romsey mills, and after
taking this and several arithmetical mistakes into account
the deficit would seem to have been ;^35. 13J. 3^^., or^
about £570. I2s. 8d., of present day money— a rather con-
siderable sum, if it continued year after year.
The gift of ;^io to Bishop Henry Beaufort should be
noticed ; this Bishop made or attempted to make several
pilgrimages to the Holy Land, but this one is not referred
to in the account given of his life in the Dictionarj/ of
National Biography.
1 Using 16 as the multiplier.
194
Records of Romsey Abbey.
ACCOUNT ROLL OF
Receipts.
I. — Aishton.
Rent
Farm ... ...
Sale of works
Sale of wool (see under Edyndon)
Sale of corn and stores
Perquisites of Courts [i.e. Manor Courts]
2. — Edyndon.
Rent
Sale of works
Sale of wool
Sale of com and stores
Perquisites of Courts
3. — Roraseye.
Rent
Farm
Sale of works
Sale of wool ...
Sale of corn and stores
Perquisites of Courts
4. — More Malewayn.
Rent
Sale of corn and stores
S. — Sydemanton.
Rent
Sale of works
Sale of corn and stores
Perquisites of Courts
6. — Ichenestoke.
Rent
Sale of works
Sale of corn and stores
Perquisites of Courts
Total receipts
f.
s
d
... so
2
3i
... 12
12
... 6
II
oi
... 20
6
8
... 6
8
... 26
4
8i
... 6
8
4f
... 30
... 16
U
2
- S3
iij
3
2
4
4i
- 3°
- 54
6
8
... 4
.1
3
o4
z
3*
26
6
8
12
9
S
i
3
"i
17
4
4
I
£ s d
81
146 12
32
130 II o
j^404 6 oj '404 6 I
Totals under Sources of Income extracted from above.
£ ^ d
I.— Rent 149 16 7I
-Farms
3. — Works
4.— Wool
5. — Com and stores
6. — Courts
15 12
20 5 of
60 o
2144 12 8
14 o
Total receipts as above
Deficit balance
Total
j^404 6 oj 2404 6 4S
'18 19 2
~. ~. ';£423 S 6i
1 Error : ^d, too much. ^ Error : ^, too much.
* £zo too little, by which the account does not balance.
The Manor Court Rolls.
I9S
ROMSEY
ABBEY FOR
Expenses.
A. D. *I4I2.
-The Convent.
(o) For clothing
(d) Their Icitchen (coquina)
(c) For pittances
{d) The chief kitchen (percoquina)
£
38
7 8
4 4
18 lo o
25 IS 10
2. — The Abbess.
(a) Provisions for herself and household, and
divers expenses, during the year
{6\ In^fts
(c) In liveries for the household, and spices for
the guest-house
(d) In fees of servants
3. — [Extra conventual.]
Repairs of the houses of the Romsey mills fsS
For pleas (i.e., in courts)
For necessaries
Annuities to the Convent, and to king's clerks
Tenths to the King
Procurations, etc
{d\
If]
SI
4
8
12
18
14
4
30
6
8
38
^
10
S
8
.3
b
10
18
13
4
40
13
4
I
14
8
-[Various.]
ia) Alms for the poor
i) Wine for nobles visiting the Abbess, etc. ...
c) Broken crockery, and mending pots in divers
offices
(d) Shoeing horses of the Lady's household, in
horse hire, and expenses of men riding
on the Lady's business
In oblations, of the Lady and her household
In a gift to Lord Henry, Bishop of Win-
chester, on his return from the Holy Land
S. — Repairs.
(a) Repairing the houses of Aishton Manor,
and other expenses there
li) Similar expenses at Edyndon
\c\ ,, ,, ,, Romesey
{d\ „ „ „ Stoke ...
(«) ,, ,, ,, Sidemanton
(/) ,, ,, ,, Le Mour
8 19
6 13
2 13
*1
3
I
14
10
20
1
6J
13
3
4
22
10
10
8
10
3
6
10
105 17 10
'no 6 8
108
■=32
= 77
8i
Total expenses
£43z 18 8 433 5 6i
£ s
1 108 17
^ 32 I
' 77 2
^ }
Errors in addition, by which the total should be less hy£x,6s. lo^d.,
as in the first column.
^ 14 Henry IV, ended March 24th, 1413.
t Altered to £^6. 4s. 6rf., but the diflFerence, £B. os. 8d., is not added to the total.
196 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Maud Lovell succeeded on the death of Abbess Felicia
Aas, but again the Episcopal Register fails to help in fixing
the date of election, the second Register book of Bishop
Henry Beaufort, for the years 1416-1447, having been lost.
This Register, says a note in the Bishop's first book, was
lent to the King, who it may therefore be supposed omitted
to return it. The Patent Rolls, however, show that the
Abbess Maud's election took place in 1417, and that the
proceedings on this occasion lasted from 25 th October to
1 8th November. This lady remained Abbess of Romsey
for a longer period than any, either of her predecessors or
successors. When she died, before the end of April, 1462,
her rule had exceeded the next longest abbacy, that of
Abbess Isabella de Camoys, by about a year. The char-
acter and inner life of the Convent at this time, owing
to the loss of the Episcopal Register, is even less manifest
than in the preceding years, and it is to all intents and
purposes a sealed book.
Direct information relating to the Convent being so
meagre, it may be worth while to call attention to an old
house, which formerly stood in Romsey, and bore traces
of fifteenth century work. Dr. Latham, in his MS. collec-
tions for a history of Romsey, gives the following account :
" At the upper end of Church Street on the left, opposite the
turning to Porter's Bridge, stands the house in which it is said
that Sir William Petty was born. This house has undergone
many alterations within the memory of persons now living,^ and it
appears to have been occupied till lately by persons who dealt in
wool, as no doubt did Anthony, the father of Sir William Petty,
who is said to have been a clothier in Romsey, and to have
resided here. There are store-houses for wool in the two roofs of
the house, as may yet be seen by the large doors opening thence
into the street. The front of the house is of brick as far as the
1 Dr. Latham lived at Romsey 1796-1819, and died at Winchester in 1837.
' !i
^'
fc*. ■*■ —«
ANf IKNT IIdUSK IN IHlKril sT
Ilinliplac- "f Sir William Petty
hr, l.ritliain'v t'ollerti.iii
Tn face pi, luD.
The Manor Court Rolls. 197
second floor ; the rest is of timber lathe and plaster. The inside
bears evident marks of a much superior age. The ceilings of
several rooms below have zigzag fillets of wood, painted black,
with the appearance of gilding on the edges, about two to three
inches broad, standing out an inch from the ceiling. This is con-
spicuous in the room now made use of as the kitchen, and was
once, no doubt, the great hall of the house, as may be conjectured
from the original chimney, and from the curious workmanship
which extends from the top of the chimney place to the ceiling."
Mr. Latham then describes the chimney piece at length,
but his sketch is better than any description. He draws
attention to a merchant's mark on the two outside shields
in the lower compartment, and to the devices of a bear and
staff, and lion passant guardant, on the shields of the upper
compartment. He adds that the house was consumed by
fire with the tenements adjoining on Thursday, December
14th, 1826. The chimney piece is to be dated about the
year 1460, and belongs to the period when Maud LoveJl
was still Abbess.
The merchant's mark is of special interest, because it is
found again on an altar frontal of about the year 1450,
which formerly belonged to the church, but which is now
missing. The mark establishes a connection between the
owner of the house and this piece of fifteenth century
embroidery. The latter is described by Mr. Latham as of
crimson velvet cloth richly embroidered with gold, the fruit
or flower ornaments having green leaves. This handsome
piece of needlework was, he adds, hung round the pulpit of
Romsey church for many years, until a new cloth was
given by Mrs. Delicia Barton, wife of Robert Barton, Esq.,
of Rownhams. The length of the remains of the cloth,
when used as a pulpit-hanging, was 9 ft. 10 in. by 3 ft. 8 in.
It may be compared with a cope of about the same date,
the remains of which are carefully preserved in a frame,
now hanging in the north choir aisle.
198 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Johanna Bryggys succeeded Matilda Lovell in 1462,
the proceedings connected with her election lasting from
26th April to 30th May. Joan Forde, the Sub-Prioress,
Katharine Shyffeld, Katharine Stadham, and Thomasine
Assheley, nuns, are mentioned, but the last three could not
be found in the Convent at the time of the election ; it
is doubtful if Katharine Shyffeld was a member of the
community at this time, the two others appear in a list
of 1478. In 147 1 the Abbess, with two of the nuns and
a fourth lady, together with a Prioress, are found dining
and supping in the Hall of Winchester College on the last
Monday in the last quarter of the year. This was in the
time of Warden John Baker of Aldermaston, Berks.
A great deal of information about the business of the
Abbey may be learnt from its Manor Court Rolls, a large
number of which, relating to Romsey Extra, are preserved
in the Public Record Office. They extend over a period
of many years, beginning in Richard IPs reign, 1395, and
continuing, though not consecutively, to 1 597-8. The gaps
between the existing rolls are wide ; for instance, no rolls
appear to have survived from 1560 to about 1588. Whilst
therefore the information to be derived from these records
would be somewhat fragmentary, yet it is probable that
a detailed study of them, together with the study of old
wills and other documents, would yield a good deal of
information about former inhabitants, the names of places,
and the descent of lands and houses. Neither time nor
space will permit of such a complete study here, but some
interesting facts may be culled from the earlier series.
These comprise rolls for the following years : —
1395. 27th September. 1435. 4th May and 12th November.
1428. 3rd November. 1436. April.
1429. I ith April and 6th October. 1437. (?)
(?) 14th April. 1444. Second Tuesday after Easter,
1434. 22nd October. i.e.^ Hocke-day.
rillMMlv-FlKCE IJF IlnUsE IN ■ HTKc II MKI,
llr. Lr.lliams Cnlk-clio.i.
-I IKIA I4O0.
The Manor Court Rolls. 199
These rolls belonged to the Halmote, or Court Baron of
the Manor, that is, the meeting of the tenants of the Manor
for the transaction of business. The business consisted of
" the transfer of land to tenants, the making of bye-laws
for the regulation of the village communities, and the
exaction of penalties for the breaking of rules." The
Romsey Court Rolls exhibit a great variety of detail.
Bond Tenants.
Some inhabitants were bond tenants, over whom the
Abbess as lady of the manor had certain rights.
John, son of Peter Strecche, and Thomas, his brother, from
1428 to 1436 betook themselves outside the demesne of the
Abbess ; again and again the tenants are ordered under penalties
to find them, but they never seem to have been successful.
Another native, John Withgere, of Lee, paid 6d. annually to live
outside the lordship. One Walter Gabbell, in 1435, pays a fine
of 10s. to marry his daughter either without or within the lordship,
wherever and to whomsoever he pleases.
In 1444 another one of the family of Strecche, William junior,
who held a messuage {i.e., a dwelling-house with out-buildings
suitable for a country farm) and a workland, is reported to have
left his holding and gone to parts beyond the seas, and is a soldier
in the service of the King, and has six acres of wheat, five acres
of barley, one acre of pease, and one acre of oats, which tenure
and com are committed to the care of his brother Walter. There
is no fine in this case.
Heriots and Fines.
The conditions under which tenants held property
varied greatly. For instance : —
John Mascall dies in 1434. He holds a messuage and thirteen
acres of arable land and two acres of pasture. At his death a
black horse worth los. falls to the Lady of the Manor as a heriot,
and another horse for a mortuary or payment at death. His wife
Johanna has standing in the property during her life.
200 Records of Romsey Abbey.
In 1428 William Skyllyngham gives as a fine two goslings and
one flagon of red wine for license to give all lands, tenements,
meadows, moors and pastures which he holds of the Lady, by fine
to whomsoever he shall please for the term of his life. The
property is to be well maintained, and rent and all services
due and accustomed are to be well and faithfully paid. After his
decease the Lady is to have a heriot of 6s. id. if he have not
a large hog in his possession.
In 1395 Richard Trappe held a gavelzeld and a cotceland in
Kupemham. At his death the Lady, i.e., the Abbess receives as
heriot a horse worth gj. and an ox worth 7^. 6d., and the holding
remains with his wife.
In 139s Agneta Wiggelee surrenders into the hands of the
Lady her holding in Bannok Street, except one chamber sufficient
for herself, to the use of John Wheler. There is no heriot, but
Richard, son of Walter Wheler, gives a fine of 3^. ^d. for the
cottage and curtilage ; he is to render rent and services and to do
fealty.
In 1395 Alice, the widow of Sir Thomas West (see Ch. X), a
progenitor of the Lords De la Warre, who held of the Abbey in
fee the Manor of Testwode and the Mill of Totyngton, i.e.,
Totton, died, and a heriot of a jument or draught beast worth
20s. fell to the Abbess. The son of Thomas West succeeded to
the property, and was called to do fealty and pay a fine or relief
Before 1428 Reginald West had succeeded to the property, and is
ordered again and again to do homage and fealty and to pay his
relief. The demand was still going on in 1434, and it would
seem therefore as if there was a deliberate resistance to the claim
and ancient right of the Lady of the Manor on the part of the
West family.
Mills.
The letting and repairs of the mills were matters of
much importance.
In 1428 William Berell took of the Lady of the Manor the
site for a new fulling mill (for thickening cloth by a process of
pressing). The mill was to be built on the water course called
The Manor Court Rolls. 201
Chavy, between a meadow called Smalemede and land called
Evy ; the building was to be finished within the year. His term
was to be good for sixty-one years at a rent of 4^., but he was
not to take fish without leave of the Abbess. He was to do all
repairs and to deliver the mill up in good and working order at
the end of his lease. He was to keep the ground dry for a space
of eight feet between his mill and Evy land, and maintain the
banks of the river below, above, and around the mill. He may
have a foot path (senft'fam peda/em) to his mill across the said
meadow. He is permitted to remove (amovere) an island lying
in the water course, and to have the pasture which William
Melveme was wont to have belonging to the said island.
In 1434 John More of Asshfold agreed with the Abbess
Matilda Lovell and the Convent to take their four mills. Two
of the mills were in a building called Townmill, and the other
two in a building called Medmill. He was to have all the fishings
of eels. His lease to be for seven years at a rent of ;^io. 6^^. 8d.,
to be paid quarterly, together with 450 eels called shaftelynges
and 30 large eels called skyveres. Elaborate conditions as to
repairs are added, together with a clause binding the miller to
grind for the Lady's household and for the horses.
The rules relating to the grinding of corn were strict ; all
tenants were bound to bring their com to the Lady's mills and to
no other. In 1444 the tenants of Lee and Wobbury near Toothill
got into trouble because most of them took their corn to the mill
of John Grenefeld at Skidmore; in future a fine of i2d. was to
be inflicted, unless a good reason could be given.
Watercourses,
The watercourses, of which there were many, sometimes
gave trouble.
In 1428 the lands and pastures at the More by Lee (i.e.,
Moorecourt) were inundated by a flood at night through the
fault of Alice Reynes. A fine of 6d. was imposed, and if matters
were not set right by the next court a further penalty of 6s. Sd
was threatened.
202 Records of Romsey Abbey.
In 1436 a complaint was made by William Bretere against
William Smyth of Lee because he did not make his stathez
[hatches] next the watercourse flowing there, whereby the plaintiff's
meadows were flooded and damage done to the value of 6s. 8d.
Poachers.
The waters were a temptation at times to poachers.
In 1435 John Sexsteyn and Thomas Talear stopped the water-
course next Stretmede with a dam and took the Lady's fish, to
her grave hurt, with pottes and other instruments. They were
fined 6cl. each.
In 1444 Thomas Welynow placed snares called hare-pipes
within the warren of the Lady at Wollys Downe in Wobbury
and took many hares. He is to be attached by writ for the
purpose of making restitution to the Lady.
Disputes between Tenants.
Sometimes there were disputes between tenants.
Adam Bury cut down an oak growing in a certain garden at
Bromcroft in Wobbury between the holding of Adam and the
land of Thomas Shotter. The latter proceeds to unjustly claim
the oak, alleging that it was growing upon his ground. The
Homage, however, are of a contrary opinion, and Adam is per-
mitted to remove the oak.
Repairs and Building.
Neglect in keeping tenements in repair caused much
trouble.
In 1434 John Peverell, of Cupernham, had neglected to
repair his tenement according to the orders of the Court, and was
fined 2orf., and was further threatened with a fine of ^s. ifi. if the
neglect continued.
In 1436 Will Smyth, of Lee, had allowed his tenements to
perish for want of repairs, and is fined 2d. His offence was the
worse because the Lady had given him a good oak worth /^od. to
The Manor Court Rolls. 203
be used for the repairs, and he had allowed the oak to lie unused
to rot and waste ; he is threatened with a fine of 2od. This
William Smyth, who bears the alias of Stontheroute, seems to
have been a quarrelsome person, for in 1437 he is fined 6d. for
assaulting and insulting Walter Streeche, the Lady's bailiff.
In 1444 John More, of Halterworth, has not sufficiently
carried out his repairs, and will have to pay 40*/. if the business is
not complete by the next Court day.
A time limit seems to have been imposed on the building of
new houses by tenants. John Basset in 1444 had built a new
house in LuUane, and had finished the carpentry work, but had
not roofed or enclosed it ; this he must do by the next Court
under a penalty of 20^^.
Rights of Way and Inclosures.
Ancient rights of way were jealously guarded.
Walter Bernard in 1395 stops a way by which the Abbess's
sheep cross from Prestland to Stretmed. On the other hand, no
new ways are permitted to become customary. Walter, servant of
John Forester, makes a way with a cart and horse through the
ground of the Abbess ; he is to be distrained.
Inclosures were another important matter.
John Honchon, in 1444, inclosed one acre in Northgaston
with a quick hedge, but this land should be common land after
harvest.
Again a croft next Northgaston called Silvercroft, held by
John Catell as inclosed and separate, was from ancient time
common land after harvest, the tenants are therefore to throw
down the fences.
A further point comes up, the tenants were accustomed to
have a common way from ancient times for driving and carrying
from Spitelstreet to Northgaston through a certain croft called
Homcroft, which Thomas at Roke holds separate. The tenants
are to pull down the fence across the way after harvest.
204 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Place Names.
Northgaston, or the district now lying about the railway
station, has retained its ancient name ; possibly the footpath
running at the present day from the old toll-gate house to the
station follows the line of the disputed way mentioned above.
But whilst the name of Northgaston has survived, the old name
of the street by the toll house has disappeared.
Spittlestreet, as it was called in old days, was so named because
of the Hospital of S. Mary Magdalene which stood in it. Spittle
Croft, or Little Broomclose, of some three to four acres, was
bounded by the highway going to Tadburne on the east, and by
the Tadburne on the south. The Spittle or Hospital was con-
tiguous to this close and nearer to Romsey. This Hospital is
twice mentioned in the Patent Rolls, in 131 7 and again in 1331,
and is described as the Hospital of S. Mary Magdalene and S.
Anthony. In the earlier year one John is granted royal protection
for two years, whilst he travels about as proctor of the Hospital to
sohcit alms for lepers and other paupers. In the latter year
a mandate is issued "to bailiffs and lieges to welcome Alan
Unwyn, proctor for the leprous and poor persons in the Hospital,
to collect alms for the relief of the inmates of the Hospital, now
in extreme poverty. The " poure almys men and women of the
spytell " are mentioned in a paper accompanying the accounts of
the King's bailiff, after the suppression of the Monastery, and
a list of names is given.
Beyond Northgaston lies Cupernham, or Kupernham, one of
the ancient tithings. South of this on the hill stands Whitenap,
anciently known as Wyttenharp. Hauterworth is easily recog-
nised in the modern Halterworth. In it was a close called
Hillfields, which is perhaps an earlier name for the more modem
Highfield.
Luzborough magna and parva, "with a small house," are found
in the Court Roll, and with it Inslnesborough, a name which has
dropped out of use. Ashfold of the Court Roll has now become
Ashfield, and in a will of 1532 it is called Asthold.
The Manor Court Rolls. 205
Wobbery next Touthill is the title of another tything in
Romsey Extra which is now forgotten. The lordship of Walks
may perhaps be identified with Southwellys, in which stood Grove
Place. It is described as north of Langelond.
The name Skidmore, in the Account Roll of 1539, is spelt
Skydmoure, and is described as a part of the Manor of Southwell.
This farm, together with all lands of this manor in Romsey,
Elinge, and Nursselinge, were held by the Abbess and Convent
from the Dean and Chapter of the King's free chapel within
Windsor Castle ; but just before the Suppression they were under-
let to John Huttofte, gentleman, paying rent to the Windsor
Chapter, and for quit rents and services to the Monastery,
£2. 165. M.
A pasture of twenty acres called Stary Frith is mentioned as
part of the demesne of the Monastery, but the Dean and
Chapter received £,X2 rent from it.
Lee was another tything, and here lay the More. The latter
name survives in Morecourt. In the sixteenth century it appears
to be known in two divisions as More Abbott and More Malwyn
or Malens. The latter title appears to have arisen from a family
named Malewayn, who are spoken of as early as the fourteenth
century.
Broadlands appears frequently under the old spelling Brode-
londe. In 1558 Sir Francis Fleming speaks of it thus, and gives
the manor house to his wife Dame Jane, together with his lease
of Staryeflfrythe. The stream skirting the lawns of Broadlands
gardens may be referred to in a concession to Thomas Mondy,
alias Cucku. He was to have the whole tenth of the hay of the
meadows from Waldyngbrigge to the parish of NutshuUying, i.e..
Nursling ; for this he paid a rent of 4^. and a fine of a capon.
Mr. Latham in his collections says that Waldenbridge, as he calls
it, was rebuilt in 1686 of wood, with three arches, and mentions
that in 1806 a Mr. Langridge remembered it. It had been taken
down by Lord Palmerston in 1760, being out of repair, but the
loss of it proved a great inconvenience to persons passing from
thence to Lee and Toothill, who otherwise must go round by
Romsey.
2o6 Records of Romsey Abbey.
To the west of Broadlands and on the opposite side of the
river is Pauncefotes Hill. The name is a very ancient one, and
the land was held by a family of that name for many centuries,
probably from the time of Domesday. The Abbey, however,
had land in the neighbourhood, for in 1395 they claimed arrears
of rent to the amount of 95. dd. for seventeen years, in respect
of ten acres of ground in Botenhanger above Pauncefotes Hill,
five acres of land in a field there, one ham ma called Whithitham,
and a wood called Emmotewode. There must have been below
the hill a manor house at Mayhenstone or Maistone from early
days. In 1231, 2nd, 3rd, and 17th August, Bishop Peter Quivil
stayed there with his friend John Pauncefot, and wrote or sent a
letter from there to Henry de Somersete, promoting him to the
precentorship of Exeter Cathedral in commendam. A John,
probably the same, is mentioned in the Parliamentary Writs of
1 3 16 as Lord of the township of Maistone. A Margaret
Pauncefot was a nun in the Abbey in 1333; and a Richard,
whose name occurs many times between 1363 and 1395, was
Seneschal or Steward of the Abbey in 1371. He, with others,
made a gift to the Convent in 1367, and his property beyond this
gift is described as the Manor of Mahneston, held of the Earl of
Hertford by knight service, and worth yearly 100s. He was
Sheriff of Hampshire, 1374-5. His son Thomas married Agnes,
and is distrained by the Abbey for a rent of 9^. dd. unpaid for
seventeen years, in respect of Botenhanger on Pauncefoteshill.
About 1420 Sir John Pauncefote married Margaret, daughter
of Sir John Beauchamp of the Holt in Cowame. An Eleanora
Bruges, one of the family of the Bridges of Cobberley, married
a Thomas Pauncefot, and this perhaps took place towards the
close of the fifteenth century. It is worth noting that the Abbess
from 1462-72 was Joan Bryggys, and marks another connection
between Romsey and the family of Bridges.
Walter Pauncefot died 22nd August, 1487, and left a young
son Peter half a year old and more, and two daughters, Maud
and Agnes; but Peter died 22nd August, 1492, and the Romsey
male line of Pauncefot came to an end. Maud was then about
The Manor Court Rolls. 207
eleven, and Anne about nine years old. Walter's property in
Hampshire is described as a manor called Pauncefot Hill beside
Romsey, 300 acres of arable land, 200 acres of pasture, 100 acres
of wood, and 6s. 4d. quit rent issuing out of divers tenements in
Romsey worth ;£i2, held of the King, as of the Duchy of
Lancaster by service of one knight's fee. Also a tenement in
Romsey called Gaterygges Place, and three acres of arable and
three acres of meadow land in Stanbryggesfelde in the parish of
Romsey worth 26^. 8d. held of the Abbess. Richard Willoughby
and his wife Isabel were occupying the property 22nd January,
1495-
The land called Tappesham is frequently spoken of in the
Court Rolls. There were several fields bearing this name lying
near together, and Tappesham Lane ran at right angles to Mill
Lane. One of the fields lies across the water right opposite the
west end of the church between the two mills, as may be seen in
the tithe map. Langeley Mede, Gosemede, and Southgardene
with Tappesham formed a small farm of twenty-three acres.
Paskirie, or le Pastyry, and Mynxton Mead adjoining it lay
close to the Fulling Mills.
The position of Priestlands is well known in Romsey.
Periton, seems to have been not far from Banning Street, and is
spoken of as a tenement between properties belonging to the
Braisfield Chantry.
Other place names have occurred in the course of this
chapter, and others are to be found in the Court Rolls and
in many other deeds, but it is not easy to identify them.
It seems a pity that so many old names should have fallen
into disuse and have been forgotten, for place names are
the milestones in the history of a town or village.
REFERENCES.
Ancient Wills. Somerset House.
Ministers' Accounts, 921/21. P. Record Office.
Dr. Latham's MS. Collections. B. M. Add. MSS. 26774 ff.
Manor Court Rolls, 201/38. P. R. O.
CHAPTER XIII.
A.D. 1472—1523.
ABBESS ELIZABETH BROKE.
'For sum [nunnes] bene devowte, holy, and towarde,
And holden the ryght way to blysse;
And sum bene feble, lewde, and frowarde.
Now god amend that ys amys."
From " Why I cannot be a Nun," I, 311.
Chapter XIII
ABBESS ELIZABETH BROKE.
'X'HE last years of the Convent's existence were eventful,
■*- but not edifying. A laxity of discipline seems to
have crept in, and to have been the occasion, if not the
source, of much trouble. Elizabeth Broke was elected
Abbess on the death of Joan Bryggs, the cong^ d'elire was
issued on the 27th May, 1472, and after the sisters had
elected their Abbess, she appeared before the Bishop's
Commissary in Romsey Church on the i6th June. Joan
Skyllyng the Prioress, and others, who had interest in the
election, were cited to appear, and no objection having
apparently been made, the election was confirmed, and the
royal writ, putting the new Abbess in possession of the
temporalities or property of the Convent, was issued on
the 22nd June.
Trouble followed, something was amiss with the Abbess,
and six years after, on the 8th August, 1478, the Bishop,
William of Waynflete, comes to Romsey and interviews
the Abbess, " who, before him in her chamber within the
Monastery, swore on the holy gospels that she would not
procure any hindrance to the disposition of the Bishop."
Then at 2 p.m. on the same day she appeared again before
the Bishop, sitting judicially in the Chapter House, and
acknowledged her submission in the following words : —
212 Records of Romsey Abbey.
" In the name of God, Amen. I, Elizabeth Broke, Abbatisse
of the Monastery of Romsey of the diocese of Wynchester, for
certain reasonable causes movyng me submytte my person, my
state, and dignitie and office Abbaciall. Also the admynystracion
and disposicion of all maner of persons, servants and godes of
the said monastery perteynyng yn any maner wise to me, by
reason of the said dignyte and office Abbatisshall, unto you my
lord and ordynary Lord William, by the grace of God, Bisshoppe
of Wynchester. And as much as lieth 3m me or may perteyne
to me, I giffe fre and full powre to you my lord foresaid to dis-
pose, ordeyne, reforme, correcte, injoin, decree, and to directe
alle the premysses and alle manner of maters an causes perteyn-
ing to me or concernyng me, my person and dignyte or office
Abbatishall in any maner of wise, and the persons, servants, and
goodes aforesaid and everych of them. And I promitte to obey
and to stonde to youre disposicion, ordynance, reformacion,
correction, injuncion, decrees and direccion, to be made and
hadde by you my lord aforesaid, in these premysses and everyche
of theym and to make your said disposician, ordynance, etc., to
be kept by every person and servante of the said monastery, by
this boke conteynyng the holy gospelles, touched bodyly by me."
She swears that she made the submission of her own
free will, without compulsion, nor was she led to this by
deceit or fraud.
On the next day, the 9th August, in a high {i.e., an
upstairs) and inner chamber, situate between a certain high
oratory or chapel and the great high chamber of the
Abbess, Elizabeth Broke prayed the Bishop to accept her
resignation and to declare the vacancy of her ofifice. This
he did, and repeated his acceptance and declaration in the
Chapter House on the loth August, the day following.
Letters were despatched to the King announcing the
vacancy on the nth asking licence to elect, and the cong^
d'elire or licence is dated the 17th August. It was not,
however, till the end of the month, on the 31st August,
Abbess Elizabeth Broke. 213
that the sisters proceeded to arrange for the election ; they
then chose the 9th September for this purpose. On that
day the Mass of the Holy Spirit was celebrated at the
High Altar, and twenty-five sisters assembled, including
Johanna Skyllyng, the Prioress. One sister, Margaret
Taylard, was represented by proxy, Johanna Serell voting
for her ; the Rector of Edington, who held a stall, and a
vote in chapter, was represented by Isabel Morgan ; and
Edith Holewey stood for Oliver Dynham, the Canon and
Prebendary of S. Laurence the Greater. After singing the
hymn " Veni Creator Spiritus," and giving the warning to
those who might be under censure and unable to vote, the
assembly decided to elect " per compromissum," that is to
say, by choosing certain persons to elect in the name of
the Convent. They chose William Bishop of Winchester
and Richard {i.e., Beauchamp) Bishop of Salisbury [1450-
148 1 ], and granted them full power of electing a nun of
the Monastery as Abbess until Tuesday next, the 15th
September.
On this day, at 9 o'clock in the morning, Bishop
Richard of Salisbury refused to elect and returned the
nuns' commission. The Chapter met at once and chose
again to elect " per compromissum," but in a modified form.
About the eleventh hour before noon they deputed and
chose the said Richard " compromissarium," and granted
him full power until 4 p.m. to elect as Abbess, by the secret
votes of all the nuns, a nun of the Monastery, on whom
the greater and saner part of the whole Chapter should
direct their votes. This power Bishop Richard accepted.
After the secret voting it appeared that the sisters had
chosen Elizabeth Broke and re-elected her ; she herself
had voted for Matilda Casewyk, and Katharine Statham
for Edburga More ; these were the only exceptions. The
Bishop then and there elects her as Abbess. The Prioress
214 Records of Romsey Abbey.
and Convent, Elizabeth Broke alone excepted, give power
to Master David Husbond to publish the election to clergy
and people, in the vulgar tongue, and this done they take
Elizabeth Broke to the High Altar singing "Te Deum";
and certain prayers having been said over her, Master
David before the High Altar solemnly declared the election
in the vulgar tongue to the clergy and people assembled in
a multitude.
Three sisters, Isabel Morgan, Joan Paten, and Anne
Rowse, are chosen to obtain the consent of the elect.
They go to her, in a certain ground floor parlour, within
the dwelling-house of Master John Grene, B.D., perpetual
vicar of the parish church of Romsey, tell her of her
election, and pray her to consent to it. She replies that
she must deliberate what would seem to her most prudent
to do in the matter. About 3 p.m. they many times
beseech her to consent to the election, in the presence of
witnesses and notaries, and at length Elizabeth, not wishing
to resist the Divine will, consents to the wishes of those
who had voted, and to her election.
An event which had taken place in the earlier part of
the day gives the full explanation as to the "reasonable
causes," which led her to resign. The Bishop of Salisbury,
about the same time that he returned the sisters' com-
mission, i.e., about 9 a.m., received in the Chapter House
letters of commission from the Bishop of Winchester sealed
with his [oblong ?] seal. From this letter it appears that
Elizabeth Broke had prayed to be absolved from the
crimes of perjury, and adultery with one John Placy.
The Bishop, as may be supposed, uses severe words of
condemnation, and the mystery of her resignation ceases
to be a mystery ; the cause for it is only too " reasonable."
What remains a mystery is her re-election. This does not
seem to have been altogether unforeseen, as may be gathered
from the account of the penance imposed by the Bishop :—
TlIK ^A\( TL'AKV.— I I.MI'. lSo6-lSlfi.
IWuadlancls C...llcLtion.
To face p.
Abbess Elizabeth Broke. 215
"Then and there publicly Elizabeth knelt and said the
Lord's Prayer and the angelical salutation," and provision
was made that in the event of her being Abbess in the
monastery, she should abstain from the use of the pastoral
or abbatial staff, the sign of authority, for the space of seven
years. The account adds that the Bishop of Salisbury
then and there absolved her, before any election was made
or any provision was arranged about her. How was it
possible that one accusing herself of such grave crimes
could even be thought of as possibly re-elected to the
highest dignity in the Convent? The perjury had been
committed before the Bishop, sitting judicially, and may
have been incurred by the Abbess in an effort to exculpate
herself, when accused, on some previous occasion, of the
other crime of adultery. The coupling of the crimes to-
gether suggests some connection between them. It should
be added that her unchastity may have been contracted at
an earlier period of her life, before she was a nun at all.
Charity and reason both point to the existence of some
mitigating circumstances, and the fact of her re-election
may indicate that she had natural gifts for the office, if she
had used them rightly. The re-election, however, did not
prove a happy one, either because she had not become
a good woman, or because she was broken by the severe
ordeal through which she had passed, and those under
her took advantage of the scandal and its attendant
consequences.
The royal assent to the election is dated the 21st
September. The Bishop, on the 20th of the same month,
orders that objectors to the election be cited to appear
on Saturday, the 3rd October, and commissions his Chan-
cellor, Master David Husbond, Doctor of Decrees, Henry
Ervin, B.D., and Michael Cleve, to hear objections, and if
there are none, to induct and install the Abbess, which
was done by Master Walter Hodgis, the official of the
2i6 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Archdeacon of Winchester. A letter was written to the
King for the restoration of the temporalities on the 3rd
October, and the deed for accomplishing this is dated the
14th October, two months having been occupied in the
attempt to repair this grave and sad affair.
Whether Elizabeth received back her pastoral staff and
with it the full power of administering the affairs of the
Abbey at the end of seven years is unknown. If so, she
must have been again deprived, which seems unlikely. It
appears probable that she was not trusted with full control
for twelve or thirteen years, for under Bishop Courtney the
Chancellor, Michael Cleeve, acting under a commission,
restores her to the full privileges of her office. The Bishop
says that he has decided to do this in consideration of her
merits and reformation of character. This was in 1491,
but in 1492 Archbishop Morton ordered a visitation of the
monasteries of the Winchester Diocese, and commissioned
Robert Shirborne, Treasurer of Hereford Cathedral, to
carry out the business. The Abbess confessed to a debt
of ;^8o, a sum representing nearly ;£'iooo to-day, " she
suspected that the nuns made egress through the church
gates, and prays that they may not frequent taverns and
other suspected places." Isabel Morgan, Prioress, testified
that the nuns frequented taverns, and went into the town
without leave. One of the nuns complained that their sins
and faults were not punished, and that the doors were not
kept shut.
These, and many other points which are given on the
testimony of a number of the sisters at the Visitation,
show that there was much irregularity going on, and that
discipline had well-nigh disappeared. Special stress is laid
upon the bad management of the Monastery's finance.
The Abbess, it is said, had come under the evil influence of
one Terbock, whom she had appointed Receiver or Steward,
Abbess Elizabeth Broke. 217
and he, if the sisters are to be believed, was dishonest and
grasping, and played the part of the evil genius of the
Monastery at this time.
It may not be out of place to point out that the
Archbishop's visitation deals mainly with faults of ad-
ministration. The debt was certainly grave, the lack of
discipline even more grave, but if any excuse may be
found it will be in the unhappy position of the Abbess.
She had been for years deprived of her full authority, the
respect of her sisters must have been seriously impaired,
and she may well have been a broken woman. Advantage
would be taken of these matters by the less amenable
spirits in the Monastery, and she may well have lent in
financial matters too heavily upon the advice of the
Steward, who was anything but scrupulous. When scandal
has been, on any occasion, attached to one in high place
and authority impaired, it is not surprising if quarrels and
insubordination arise, or if bickerings and scandalous talk
are found amongst subordinates. All this appears to have
arisen as will be seen. Elizabeth Broke was culpable and
perhaps wilful, acted weakly and no doubt foolishly, but it
is also possible that the worst appears and that the worst
was made of delinqencies. But when all has been said in
mitigation of her offences it must be added that her
re-election was a grave error, and the day on which she
was reinstalled may be described as a black day in the
annals of Romsey Abbey.
Visitation by Commission of Archbishop Morton.
Visitation carried out by Master Robert Shirbourne,
treasurer of Hereford Cathedral, vicar-general of the Arch-
bishop, begun at S. Swithin's Monastery, Winchester, 29th
October, 1492.
2i8 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Visitation of the Monastery of Rumsey.
Dame Elizabeth Broke, Abbess, confesses that she owes to
Terbocke a great sum, viz., 80/., as appears by a schedule shown
by her.
Item, she prays that no nun keep her own house or domicile
("teneat apud se mansum seu domicilium") or receive anyone,
man or woman, without the Abbess's leave.
Item, she deposes that nuns are suspected of going into the
town by the church door.
Item, she prays that they may not frequent taverns and other
suspected places.
Item, she prays that they may not go outside the monastery
without her leave.
Item, she prays that an injunction be made that she should
not pay a corody of 50^'. or more, because there appears to be no
cause why it ought to be paid.
Dame Isabel Morgan, Prioress, deposes that the nuns frequent
taverns, and continually go into the town without leave. She
says that the nuns consented together in seaUng an instrument
delivered to Terbock, and that for three years the said Terbock
had, in part payment of a certain sum which the Abbess confesses
that she owes to him, a manor extended at 40/.
Item, she deposes that the Abbess favours this Terbok too
much.
Item, she prays that the intention of the founder may be
observed in celebrating masses, because now the number of priests
is diminished, first as regards the infirmary, and secondly as
regards the chapel of S. Nicholas.
Item, she prays that an account be made of sales of woods or
groves.
Item, she deposes that nothing ought to be sealed with the
common seal unless done with advice of some prudent man of
her house.
Item, she prays that injunction be made to the sisters and
Abbess Elizabeth Broke. 219
Abbess that they choose no one as auditor without consulting the
Archbishop of Canterbury.
Item, she deposes that the Abbess, as much as in her lies,
granted a prebend to Sir Adrian.
Item, she prays that those men who are familiar with Terboke
be driven from her house, and especially one called Write.
Item, she deposes concerning a cross and many other things
given to Terbok by the Abbess.
Item, she prays that the rolls of account may be seen for those
years in which Terbok was Steward.
Dame Anabil Dunsley deposes with the Prioress, and prays that
John Write be forbidden to have continual access to the Abbess,
because it is said that he begs from her money for Terbok.
Item, she deposes that the Abbess sealed certaia indentures
with her private seal.
Dame Cecily Suede deposes that she did not agree in sealing
the writing sealed Terbock, and says that all the perversion of
the house made by Terbock and worst fame {famam pessimam)
of the monastery is caused by him.
Dame Joan Skilling deposes with the Prioress —
Item, she prays that the conventual services be sung in choir
(? inchorentur).
Also she deposes concerning two mills withdrawn by the
Abbess to the value of ten marks, now for two years, the profits
of which ought to be given (dimitti) to the sisters.
Dame Joan Paten deposes that she told the Abbess that she
did not wish to be concerned in the writing delivered to Terbock
of the office of receipt. Also she complains and asks that the
beer may be improved ; also, concerning repairs not done in the
monastery. Also, she prays that the nuns ought to observe divine
services, and especially those in the Abbess's house.
Item, she says that they do not serve the refectory, nor any of
the nuns, on days on which they are bound to do so.
Item, she prays that a nun who has been brought in (inducta),
be restored to her place to which she is professed.
220 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Item, she deposes that they have no priest in the infirmary.
Item, she deposes that the Abbess said that when the inquiry
was finished, she would do as she had done before.
Item, she says that all things such as jewels belonging to the
place are alienated and bound to Sir [Oliver] Dynham and Master
Borton and some to others, as silver dishes and many other silver
vessels.
She prays also that communication made be had with Sir Ralf
French (? domino Radupho Gallico) because he does not celebrate
in his parochial church, and says that she has no fitting confessor.
Item, she deposes that the doors are not closed at the tenth
hour.
Item, she deposes that no sin of the nuns has been punished
for seven years.
Item, she prays that no one go out of choir without leave.
Item, she deposes that people stand chatting in the middle of
the choir.
Dame Thomasine Assheley says with the foregoing that she
denied the sealing, but agrees in other things with dame Joan
Paten.
Dame Edith Howell deposes that due reverence is not given
to the officials (pffidariis), nor are divine services observed. In
other things she agrees with dame Joan Paten.
Item, she deposes that she did not consent to the sealing in
word or mind.
Dame Anne Rowse deposes that she never agreed to sealing
the office (of) Terbok.
Item, she deposes that the Prioress does not observe divine
services or hours, by day or night. Also, she deposes that the
Abbess does nothing towards the observance of religion.
Item, she deposes that offenders are not corrected.
Dame Joyce Rowse agrees with dame Joan Paten.
Item, she deposes that Terbok has a dwelhng-house belonging
to the Monastery, which is not repaired but almost in ruins, and
Abbess Elizabeth Broke. 221
Dame Joan Sutton agrees with dame Joan Paten in all things.
Dame Ellen Tawke deposes that Sir (dominus) John Dameram
gave for repair of the chapel of Blessed Mary, twenty marks which
are thought to have been squandered by the Abbess. In other
things she agrees with dame Joan Paten.
Dame Christine Moore deposes that religion is not kept. In
other things she agrees with Joan Paten.
Item, she deposes that they used to be in the dormitory at the
eighth hour, but now they have no fixed hour.
Dame Mary Tisted agrees with dame Joan Paten.
Dame Margaret Strowde says as her sisters.
Dame Agnes Haynowe says that lamps are not kept, and this
by fault or negligence of the sextoness.
Item, she deposes that " perduntur pecunie in quibus domina
quando communicari debebat solebat bibere." (Can this mean
that sums of money are lost, which the Abbess was accustomed
to spend in drink, when she ought to have shared them with the
nuns — ^money to be distributed at anniversaries, etc. ?)
Dame Agnes Skilling says with dame Joan Paten.
Dame Agnes Hervey agrees with her other sisters.
Item, she complains of the beer.
Item, that there be no further going into the chapel of Blessed
Mary, in order to avoid danger and future evil.
Item, she deposes that Howell feeds his horses in ploughed
places and meadows of the monastery.
Item, she prays that the doors of the monastery be closed day
and night unless urgent necessity require otherwise.
Item, she prays that in going in and out of choir they go
modestly and without noise.
Dame Emma Conney has only been in the place for half
a year.
Dame Alice Widenstall agrees with Joan Paten.
Item, she deposes that the Abbess keeps in her own house
three nuns.
222 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Item, she deposes that one infirm (nun) is not looked after or
ministered to as is fitting.
Dame Elizabeth Rowthale agrees with dame Joan Paten.
Some eight and a half years later, during the vacancy
of the Archbishopric, and also of the see of Winchester, for
the three months, 27th January to 26th April, 1501, the
Prior of Canterbury, according to a recognised right,
visited Romsey Abbey amongst other places. This was
done on 27th March, 1501, by a commission given to Dr.
Hede, and the account of the visitation is to be found in
the " Sede vacante " register of the Priory. It is described
as incomplete, much of the last folio being blank. This
blank may have been left for the injunctions, which were
very possibly never made, as the new Archbishop, Henry
Dean, was elected on 26th April, or about a month later,
and Bishop Fox was translated from Durham to Winchester
some time in the spring, and the Prior may well have left
the business in the Diocesan's hands.
On the sisters' own showing matters were in a very
unhappy state. A summary of troubles points to : —
I. — A remissness of the Abbess in correcting the sisters,
and cruelty with regard to them.
2. — The undue and great influence of the Chaplain of
the Infirmary, Master Bryce, over the Abbess, to the hurt
of everything and everybody ; and to a scandal which was
rumoured about him and the Abbess.
3. — The decay of tenements in Romsey, and of the roofs
of the chancel and dormitory which let in the rain, and the
unsatisfactory state of the finance, the seal being no longer
in proper custody.
The Visitation is of much interest, and is therefore given
at some length. It shows contradiction, one nun declaring
" omnia bene," but the evidence is strong enough to condemn
Abbess Elizabeth Broke. 223
the unhappy Abbess of bad conduct and of neglect in
regard to the sisters, and points to a deplorable dependence
upon the Chaplain, who was unscrupulous, and of doubtful
character.
This unhappy woman died soon afterwards on 12th
May, 1 502 ; but the evil sown was not easily eradicated, as
the Register of Bishop Fox will show.
Visitation by Dr. Hede, Commissary of the
Prior of Canterbury, 27TH March, 1501.*
The Abbess stated that the statutory number of nuns
was forty, that they did not take their meals in the frater
but in certain rooms assigned to them by the Abbess, that
there were no debts and no valuables pledged, that there
was a secular chaplain in the Monastery according to their
statutes.
Isabel Maryuleyn, prioress, testified to the due observ-
ance of the night and day offices ; that the Abbess was
very remiss in correcting the delinquencies of the sisters.
Cecily Reed, sub-prioress, had but little to say.
Joan Skelyng stated that the Abbess was wont to pay
certain salaries to the nuns of los. or 6s. 8d. ; that a great
scandal had arisen concerning the Abbess and Master
Bryce super mala et suspecta conversatione ; that lately, at
the instigation of Master Bryce, the Abbess had been
negligent in correcting the sisters.
Joan Paten, chantress, said that tenements in the town
of Romsey belonging to the Monastery were in decay
through the fault of the Abbess ; that since the coming of
Master Bryce the Abbess had conducted herself badly
towards the sisters, and that she would accept no one's
advice but his ; that since his coming she has not taken
* This account of the Visitation is copied from the Victorian County History
of Hampshire.
224 Records of Romsey Abbey.
her meals with the nuns, and that there were rumours of
incontinence.
Thomasine Ashley, almoneress, stated that the bread
had diminished in quantity ; that one Gilbert de Wiltshire
had letters pertaining to the Convent under the common
seal without the consent of the Chapter ; that the Abbess
and her accomplices had broken open the chest in which
the common seal was enclosed, and that Joyce Rowse, who
had the custody of one key by the mandate of the late
Bishop of Winchester, could testify to this.
Edith Holloway, cellaress, said that Mary Tystede and
Agnes Harvey wore their hair long.
Anne Rowse, sextoness, said that the Abbess was some-
what remiss in correction, and made further charges of a
pecuniary character against Master Bryce.
Joyce Rowse agreed with Thomasine Ashley as to the
custody of the common seal and the dismissal of the
holders of the keys ; she further said that the Abbess
under the influence of Master Bryce behaved cruelly
towards her sisters, and that there was a great scandal
about them ; that the roof of the chancel was defective
through the fault of the Abbess, and she gave particulars as
to various defalcations in the priory accounts.
Maria Tystede, chantress, referred to the condition of
the accounts in the time of the late Abbess, Joan Brygges,
and said that rents which were then only 90 marks under
the present Abbess had grown to 300 marks ; but that the
bread and cheese in the Convent had lessened in measure
through the intervention of Master Bryce ; that Bryce was
suspected of being the father of a girl in Wiltshire ; that
houses in the town as well as the dorter and the chancel
were in decay through the fault of the Abbess, and that
Master Bryce kept two or three horses at the expense of
Abbess Elizabeth Broke. 225
the Monastery ; that he had obtained a large salary under
the common seal as chaplain of the farmery, and that he
sat at table with the Abbess, and that there was common
scandal about them.
Ellen Tawke, third chantress, testified that the dorter
and chancel were defective in their roofs ; that the Abbess
had been in that office for thirty years, but what gain she
had brought the monastery she was ignorant, but rather
believed that the annual rents had increased to 1 1 1 marks
from 50 ; that the houses of the Monastery were in decay
through the fault of Master Bryce, whose advice was
followed by the Abbess, and that scandal had arisen about
them.
Christine More, fourth chantress, said that the house
was not in debt more than twenty marks, and that as for
the rest it was omnia bene.
Avice Haynow said that the chancel and the dorter
were in decay, so that if it happened to rain the nuns were
unable to remain either in the quire, in the time of the
divine service, or in their beds, and that the funds that the
Abbess ought to have expended on these matters were
being squandered on Master Bryce, and that there was a
grave scandal about these two.
Agnes Harvey, sub-sextoness, made similar statements
as to the roofs of the quire and dorter, and that the actual
fabric of the Monastery in the stone walls was going to
decay through the fault of the Abbess, and gave further
particulars of the expenses incurred through Master Bryce.
She also asserted that Emma Powes was guilty of incon-
tinence with the vicar of the parish church.
Emma Powes, who had been professed in a certain
priory (King's Mead) near Derby, and from that place had
been removed to another priory in Hereford diocese, where
she had been prioress, and thence had come to this house,
Q
226 Records of Romsey Abbey.
said that silence was not observed in the dorter, and that
the roof of the quire and the lady chapel were in decay.
Alice Whytingstale, mistress of the school, said that the
Abbess at various times had prohibited her from receiving
the Eucharist and from making her usual confession, and
that since the arrival of Master Bryce the Abbess had not
conducted herself amicably towards her sisters. She also
gave evidence as to the faulty roofs, and that a corrody had
been granted to Master Bryce of the annual value of ;^20,
and that he had caused a great scandal.
The testimony of six other nuns were also set forth
of a brief character. The visitation is left incomplete,
much of the last folio being blank.^
On the death of the Abbess, the Convent elected
Judoca, alias Gaudeta or Joyce Rowse, who had been
kitchener, or overseer of all that pertained to the depart-
ment of the cooks. She was elected by the third method
of election, i.e., by acclamation, or the uncontradicted
declaration of the common wish of the whole body of the
sisters. All the accustomed formalities were used, lasting
from 6th-i8th June, 1502. The list of sisters who took part
in her election will be found on pp. 236, 237. Anne Rowse
and Anne Skelyng represented the Prebendary of Edington,
John St. John, at the election. Two rooms are spoken of
in which the elect remained during the closing part of the
proceedings —" a base or ground floor chamber next the
cloister," and " the hall of the house next the outer gate."
These are worth mentioning, owing to the few indications
surviving of the Abbey buildings. The choice of Joyce
Rowse was unfortunate ; she proved quite unfit to control
the Convent at this difficult period of its history, and indeed
her example proved a bad one to the rest of the community.
In January, 1507, the Bishop took steps to improve the
1 Sede Vacante Register of Canterbury Priory.
Abbess Elizabeth Broke. 227
state of the Convent. Of Bishop Fox, it has been said
that " it was his especial care to look after the discipline of
the conventual houses of nuns." In 15 17 he published for
the benefit of the nuns and novices in his diocese a
translation into English of the rule of S. Benedict.
A copy of this scarce black letter book may be seen
in the long room at the British Museum Library.
In the preface he says : " For these causes, at the
instant requeste of our ryght dere and well-beloved
daughters in our Lord Jeshu, the Abbasses of the
Monasteries of Rumsay, Wharwel, Seynt Maries within
the citie of Winchester, and the Priorisses of Wintney, our
religious diocesans, we have translated the sayde rule into
our moder's tongue, comune playne rounde Englishe, easy
and redy to be understande by the sayde devoute religiouse
women."
In 1521, writing to Wolsey, he says that "he has
endeavoured to do within his own small jurisdiction what
Wolsey had resolved on in both provinces of England, but
though he has given all his study to it, for nearly three
years, where he had to correct and punish, he found the
clergy, and particularly (what he did not at first suspect)
the monks, so depraved, so licentious and corrupt, that
he despaired of any perfect reformation, even in his diocese."
From a letter of Lady Sandys, it would seem that the
monks and nuns were almost too much for his powers, but
his personal character made his visitations and injunctions
carry a force beyond their real strength. In 1528 he and
his chancellor would seem to have been accused of harsh-
ness, for he writes to Wolsey in defence of the action taken.
"It is true," he says, "that the religious women of his
diocese are forbidden to leave their monasteries, and yet so
much liberty appeareth sometime too much." Had he the
same authority as Wolsey he would endeavour to mure
228 Records of Romsey Abbey.
and enclose their monasteries according to the ordinance
of the law, otherwise there will be no surety for their
observance of good religion. For the rest, they are as
favourably dealt with as any religious women in the realm.
And it may be added that the nuns of St. Mary's,
Winchester, speak of him as " a principal benefactor of our
monastery." The words form part of an inscription in
a pontifical which the good Bishop gave them.
If Fox was severe, he had cause to be so even as early
as 1507, as will be seen from the following injunctions for
Romsey. And the state of things twenty years later is an
even stronger justification for very stern measures indeed.
Preceding the injunctions of 1507 are two entries of
admonitions, one to a Mr. Folton and another to the vicar
of the parish, whose name is not entered in the Register.
Injunctions made by Bishop Fox for Romsey,
ON THE 3RD of JANUARY, 1507.
2nd January, 1507. — Master John Dowman, ll.d., Vicar-
General of the Bishop of Winchester, in a certain chamber within
the inn at the sign of the George, at Alton, warned Master Folton,
appearing before him in person, that in future he should in no
way go, or send or direct letters, messenger or sign to any nun of
Romesaye, under pain of excommunication.
Item, that he should not send any of his servants to the
Abbey of Romsey ; and if he should wish to send any messenger
to Master Brian Esthorp,^ that then the messenger shall not be
one of his own servants.
5th January, [1507,] in the parish church of Romsey, Master
John Dowman admonished Sir Vicar of Romsey,
appearing in person, under pain of privation, that he should in
nowise enter the precinct of the Monastery, except the chapel
of the Holy Rood, nor have any communication with the Abbess
1 Receiver of the Monastery.
w - ?
Abbess Elizabeth Broke. 229
nor with any of the nuns, in his own person, or by another, or
by letters, or by deed, words, nod, or sign, or messenger, under
the said penalty.
[3rd January, 1507.] Master John Dowman, Vicar-General,
admonished Joyce Rows, Abbess of Romsey, and enjoined her
to behave well for the future, and especially in observing her
reUgion, in avoiding conversation of secular persons, and also in
drinking and eating to enormous excess, especially at night, on
pain of privation.
Item, in virtue of obedience that the Abbess, after and beyond
dinner and supper, shall be sober and spare in her food and drink,
and especially after compline. Item, that after dinner and supper,
and especially after compline, the nuns shall not repair to the
Abbess's chamber.
Item, he enjoins the Abbess on pain of privation, that no
priest, except Master Brian Estthorp and Master William
Edwardes, and no other seculars, especially Trustran Faurit,
le Roy Kyrkeby, Christofer George Flecher, and Thomas Leicroft
have access and repair to her.
Item, that eyidences and jewels belonging to the Monastery,
being in the keeping of the Abbess, shall be placed in the
treasury, the Abbess and Master Brian Estthorp affirming them to
have been and to be in the treasure.
Item, he enjoins the Abbess on pain of privation, that two
doors of her chamber, one towards the hall, and the other towards
the court, shall be securely closed henceforth and securely locked.
The Abbess, in sign of submission in this matter, handed and
delivered the keys of the said two doors to Master William
Edwardys, whom the Vicar -General admonished to keep them
safely.
Item, he enjoins the Abbess that neither Maud Rows,
sextoness, nor any other of her nuns, shall go to her chamber after
compline, nor shall she wait for (exspectabit) any of them after
compline, on pain of excommunication.
Item, he enjoins Isabel Morgan, prioress, " perquireret " for
one nun who has had frequent access, familiarly and suspiciously
230 Records of Romsey Abbey.
and beyond the proper time, to the house of the bailiff or " villici
agricultor(is) " of the Monastery, and all others who went with
her to the said house, and to correct and reform her, but to
admonish all others that they go no more henceforth to the
said house.
Item, he enjoins the said Maud Rows, sextoness, in sight of
the Abbess, not to go to the Abbess's chamber after compline,
on pain of excommunication.
Item, he enjoins her, in presence of the Abbess and Prioress,
on pain of excommunication, to better observe the order which
Richard, Bishop of Winchester, limited her to, namely, in keeping
the door between the parish church and the chapel of the Holy
Rood, and two other doors in the wall between the chapel of the
Holy Rood and the choir of the nuns, so that these two doors
may never be open at the same time. The Abbess, Prioress, and
Sextoness, with others, closed these doors ; one of them being
near the altar of the Holy Rood called " the rede dore " shall be
wholly closed and locked and nailed to the wall with bolts and
iron nails.
Item, he admonished Anne Hervy to observe the religion
which she had professed, better in future, and to abstain from her
obstinacy and from the society of priests and from contradictions
and scandals, and to amend her former defects, under a penalty.
On the same day and place the Abbess, Prioress, Sub-Prioress,
Sextoness, and all the other nuns concluded and provided that
Joan Patent, nun, who had hurt her shin, by her consent shall in
future have meals in her own chamber, and shall have daily in
her chamber the right (jus) of one nun.
Item, the said Vicar-General enjoined Thomas Hampton,
doorkeeper of the cloister door, on pain of excommunication,
before Master Brian Estthorp, Master William Edwardes, the
Abbess, the Prioress, and the Sextoness, that in future he keep
securely the said door, so that no one of any rank or condition
shall enter or leave by it without his leave, He shall in his own
person open the said door for any person entering or leaving, and
immediately shall close and lock it.
Abbess Elizabeth Broke. 231
Item, he admonishes the said doorkeeper that whenever any-
one not Hving within the precincts of the Monastery shall wish to
enter by the said door, the doorkeeper, before he opens the door,
shall tell the Prioress that such a person is there, and in no way
permit him to enter except by her leave.
Item, he warned the Abbess and Prioress, together with the
steward and Master Brian, that the door in the wall towards the
cemetery shall be wholly closed and walled up, and the doors
towards paradise shall be well and securely kept with all diligence.
Item, he warns the Prioress and all the nuns to observe their
religion, in attending to the divine offices, by night and day, and
at the due hours, and especially at midnight, in good number, viz.,
twelve nuns at least.
Item, that they sing the divine services gradually with pauses.
Item, that by night and day at all canonical hours they go at
the same time to the choir and return two and two, " cum pulchra
et honesta modestia."
Item, that they exclude outsiders, and do not speak to them
without leave of the Prioress.
Item, that they keep silence at the due times and places.
Item, they shall be sober, and abstain from drink after
compline.
Item, they shall observe love and charity among them.
Item, whenever it shall happen that any of the nuns deviates
from love and charity, or offend in any of the aforesaid, especially
in those things which concern their religion and the health of
their souls, they shall be reformed, corrected, and advised by the
Prioress and their confessor, or either of them, as the case
demands and requires.
The said vicar-general enjoins Elizabeth Rowthall and Agnes
Skelyng, frateresses, to see the window of the kitchen closed and
locked at the proper time, because the nuns have been used to
hold communication with lay people at the said window, beyond
the proper time ; and he admonishes Master Brian to provide for
key and lock for the said window.
232 Records of Romsey Abbey.
He enjoined Agnes, wife of William Coke, cook of the
Monastery, that she shall not be messenger or bearer of messages
or " fabularum " or signs between any nun and any lay person on
pain of excommunication, and as much as in her lies shall hinder
communications of lay persons with the nuns at the said window.
He enjoined Thomas Leycrofte ^ on pain of excommunication
that in future he shall have no access to any chamber of the
Abbess or nuns, and shall not enter the cloister nor the conventual
church, nor have any communication with the Abbess or any nun,
nor direct nor cause to be directed (destinari) letters or messages
to any of them.
On the said eighth (sic) day the said Vicar-General in the
hall admonished Thomas Langton, Christofer George, Thomas
Leycrofte, bailiffs, and Nicholas Newman, "villicum agricultorem,"
that they should behave better in their offices and with all care-
fulness and diligence do those things which are incumbent on
their offices, on pain of removal.
He admonished William Scott, kinsman of Master William
Brian Estthorp, that he should not have access to any nun nor
hold communication with her at the kitchen windowe nor at any
other place either in his own person or through some other person,
on pain of excommunication.
On the same day, in the chapel of the Holy Rood, the said
Vicar-General admonished Sir John Cantwell, chaplain of the
chantry of S. Nicholas in the Monastery, and John Lewes,
chaplain, celebrating in the Monastery, that they should provide
themselves with other posts against the feast of Easter next, and
that after that feast they should not celebrate within the Monastery.
No surprise will be felt that Joyce Rowse resigned her
post some years later. This happened before i6th
September, 1515, wrhen the Congi d'elire was issued for
a fresh election. Anne Westbroke was then elected ; she
was " sexteyn " or sacrist of the Abbey, and had previously
— in 1 502 — occupied the position of " mistress of the
1 Bailiff. His will is dated 1530.
Abbess Elizabeth Broke. 233
school." The formalities were concluded by 9th October,
when the royal writ put her into possession of the temporal
goods of the Monastery. This lady continued ruler of the
House till 1523, but there is practically no information as
to the condition of the Monastery during these eight years.
Feasting may be supposed to have had less temptation for
one who had been mistress of the school than for one who,
like Joyce Rowse, had been kitchener. Her capacity, too,
for discipline may be supposed to have been greater.
However this may have been, the Convent did not as yet
recover from its degradation. That the office of kitchener
should have been no occasion for the gratification of greedy
desires may be gathered from a description of an ideal
kitchener quoted by Doctor Gasquet from an old MS. : —
" He should possess a kindly disposition, and be lavish of pity
for others. He should have a sparing hand in supplying his own
needs, and a prodigal one where others were concerned. He
must ever be a consoler of those in affliction, and a refuge to
those who are sick. He should be sober and retiring, and really
love the needy, that he may assist them as a father and helper.
He should be the hope and aid of all in the Monastery, trying to
imitate the Lord, who said : ' He who ministers to Me, let him
follow Me.'"
Two matters which touch on the external relations of
the Abbey are worth recording. In 1522 Romsey, in
common with other religious houses, paid an annual grant
for the King's personal expenses in France, for recovery of
the crown. A comparison of payments by different Houses
is interesting :— Shaftesbury, ;^iooo ; Wylton, ^^333. 6s. M. ;
Our Lady of Winchester, ;^2CX); Romsey, £il2,. 6s. 8^.;
Warwel, ;^I33. 6s. 8d.; Syon, ;^333. 6s. 8d. ; Berking,
£333. 6s. Sd. All these sums must be multiplied by twelve
to obtain present day values.
In the same year, on iSth September, the Bishop gave
2 34 Records of Romsey Abbey.
a license for celebrating Mass in the chapel or oratory of
Stanbryge, on a portable altar, in the presence of the
owner, Richard Lisseter, and his wife Elizabeth, and their
family, and others. The license includes permission for the
reservation of the Host in a standing or hanging pix, with
a light continually burning before it. The latter clause
runs in the original as follows : — " Necnon sacrosanctam
Eucharistiam sive hostiam salutarem in pixide honesta
serata stante vel pendente in eadem capella sive oratorio
cum lumine continue coram eadem hostia salutari ardente
ut decet ad Dei laudem et aliorum Christi fidelium devo-
tionem excitandam licite habere valeatis et possitis."
A study of the four lists of sisters of the years inter-
vening between 1478 and the Suppression in 1539, are of
interest. The lists will be found on pp. 236, 237. The
number of nuns fully or tacitly professed did not exceed
twenty-six during the period. Five ladies, who were in
1478 younger members of the Convent, survived till 1523,
an eventful and troubled time ; they may have been 60-70
years of age at the latter date. Agnes Harvey was
Chantress in 1523, and became Sub-Prioress in 1526. To
her the Vicar, Thomas Naile, in his will dated 19th of
August, 1505, leaves his red cloak with a coverlet of
tapestry. Hawise Haynowe was Sub-Prioress at the
earlier date, with Mary Tistede as Cellaress, Clemence
Maryng as Sextoness, and Alice or Agnes Skyllyng as
Prioress.
These lists give some information as to the titles and
number of the officers of the Abbey, that of 1502 yielding
the most information. The officers mentioned are : — Abbess,
Prioress, Sub-Prioress, Chantress and three Assistants, an
Almoneress, Cellaress, Sextoness and four Assistants,
Kitchener, two Frateresses, Infirmaress, and a Mistress of
Abbess Elizabeth Broke. 235
the School.! There were thus eleven officers with eight
assistants — nineteen in all — a large proportion out of the
whole community of twenty-six sisters, but by no means
too large in the earlier days when the Abbey numbered
eighty to a hundred nuns ; indeed there were probably
more, for there is no mention of a guest mistress who must
have filled a busy office when Romsey Abbey stood in all
its glory.
1 Chantress, who was the chief singer and had the care of the Library and, in
male establishments, was architect to the community.
Sextoness, who cared for the fabric of the church and had charge of the plate
and vestments and looked after the cemetery.
Cellaress, who was the purveyor of food stuffs, and had the care of the stores
and also of the servants and looked to the general repairs of the house.
Frateress, who was over the frater or refectory and saw that all was in readiness
for the meals, providing cloths and napkins.
236
Records of Romsey Abbey.
Four Lists of Nuns during Sixty Years,
9TH Sep., 1478, to 28th Dec, 1538.
Note. — Names marked * occur in 147S and afterwards, and t in 1502
and after, and J in 1523 and after.
gth September, 1478.
Johanna Skyllyng, Prioress.
Edburga More.
Katerina Statham.^
Matildis Caswyk.
Anabella Dyngley.2
Elizabeth Broke.^
*Isabella Morgan.^
*Ceciha Rede.^
*Johanna Skyllyng, jnr.^
♦Johanna Paten."
*Thomasina Asshley.^"
*Editha Holewey.^
*Anna Rowse."
*Judoca Rowse.2
Johanna Sutton.*
Johanna Serell.
*Agnes Welle.
*Johanna Stoode, i.e., Strowde.2
[These expressly professed.]
*Maria Tisted."
♦Christina More.*
♦Helena Tawke."
♦Hawisa Haynowe.*
♦Agnes Skyllyng.*
♦Agnes Harvy.*
♦EHzabeth Routhale.*
[These tacitly professed.]
Margaret Taylard [absent].
1 Mentioned in 1462. 2 Here in 1492 with Emma Conney and Alice Widenstall.
3 Resigned the office of Abbess, but re-elected.
6th June, 1302.
♦Isabella or Elizabeth Morgan or ♦Agnes Skelyng, Frateress.
Maryuleyn, Prioress.'
♦Cecilia Reede, Sub-Prioress.*
♦Johanna Skelyng.
♦Johanna Paten,' Chantress.2
♦Thomasina Asheley, Almoness.2
♦Editha Holowey, Cellaress.
♦Anna (or Maud, in 1 506) Rowse,
Sextoness.''
♦Gaudeta or JoyceRowse,*
Kitchener.
♦Maria Tysted,^ 2nd Chantress.*
♦Elena Tawke, 3rd Chantress.2
♦Christina Moore, 4th Chantress.2
♦Johanna Strowde, Frateress.
♦Hawicia Haynow, Sub-Sextoness.
1 In 1492 and 1507. 2 in 1501.
♦Agnes Harvy,5 Sub-Sextoness.*
Emma Powes,^ Sub-Sextoness.
♦Elizabeth Rowthall,'Sub-Sextones s
♦Agnes Wellys.
tAlice Whyttunstall.*
tClemencia Maryng, Infirmaress.
Mabel Harlyston.
tjohanna Kensall.
Anna Westbroke, Mistress of the
School.
[These expressly professed.]
+Edith Chykkysgrove.
Johanna Wytheder.
tElizabeth Ryprose.
[These tacitly professed.]
' Infirm, 1507.
^ Abbess, 1502.
5 In 1501, wore hair long. ^ Once Prioress in house in Hereford Diocese.
7 Frateress, 1507. 8 Mentioned 1492, and in 1501 Mistress of School.
Abbess Elizabeth Broke.
23;
2isi November, 1323.
*Agnes Skyllyng, Prioress.
*Hawise Hayne, Sub-Prioress.
*Mary Tistede, Cellaress.
*Agnes Harvy,^ Chantress.
*Elizabeth Ruthall.
tAIice Whittynstall.
tClemence Maryng or Malyng,2
Sextoness.
tjane Kemsall.
*Agnes Wellis.
tEdith Chekysgrove.
tElizabeth Riprose.s
JEdith Banester.*
Evelene Ynkpene.
tjane Clifford.
Christine Dacham.
JAgnes Puttenham.
JAlice Gorfyn or Gorsyn."
[These expressly professed.]
Jane Faner.
^Elizabeth Hyll.
tjane Wadham.
JAnne Butteler.
JMargaret Parkyns.
JMargaret Dowman.*
[These tacitly professed.]
Anne Talke [absent].
1 Becomes Sub-Prioress, vice C. Malyng deposed, 1526.
2 Sub-Prioress in 1526, as well as Sextoness. ' Abbess, 1523.
* Becomes Sextoness, vice CL M. deposed, 1526. " Admonished, i
° Sentenced to imprisonment, 1526.
tElizabeth Ryprose, Abbess.
JEdith Banester, Prioress.
Katherine Waddham,' Sub
Prioress, aged 23 in 1534.
tjane Waddham, Sextoness.
tAIice Whyttynstall.
Abell Howrelston.2
tJane Kersall.
tAgnes Potenhall.
JAlys Gorphyer.
tJane Clyfford.
Anne Fox.
tElizabeth HylL
tAnne Butteler.
JMargyt Parkyns.
28th December, 1538.
JMargyt Dolman \i.e., Dowman].
Jelyan More.
Bone Pownde.
Mawde Stronge.
Mary Carell,' aged 20 in 1534.
Elysabeth Langryshe,^ aged 17 in
1534-
Agnes Hall,' aged 31 in 1354.
Maryan Goddard,' aged 14 in 1534.
Alys Stanle,! aged ij in 1534.
Katheryn Westwode,^ aged 14 in
1534-
Avys Edmondes,' aged 17 in 1534.
*Agnes Harvy.'
1 Received 28th July, 1534- ' Possibly Mabel Harlyston of 1502.
3 The only survivor from 1478.
Elizabeth Flemyng, aged 20, admitted in 1534, but not in list of 1538.
238 Records of Romsey Abbey.
REFERENCES.
Winchester Episcopal Register.
Bishop Fox, by Batten.
Letters and Papers, Henry VIII. Public Record Office.
CHAPTER XIV.
A.D. 1523—1540.
THE SUPPRESSION.
' And when he came to Saynte Marie's aisle,
Where nonnes were wont to praie,
The vespers were songe, the shryne was gone,
And the nonnes had passyd awaie I "
Chapter XIV.
THE SUPPRESSION.
A NN Westbroke died on Saturday, 21st November,
■^^ 1523, within the precincts of the house, and was
buried before the high altar " as is customary," so runs the
report. The Chapter met on 24th November and sent to
the King their letter praying for license to elect by the
hand of Master John Dowman, LL.D., Prebendary of
Tymsbury, Christopher George and John Ray, literates.
Master John Dowman had his usual house of residence
within the parish of S. Martin, by Ludgate, London, and
was represented on the election day by the President of
the Chapter, Prioress Agnes Skyllyng. Christopher George
was a literate of the Salisbury Diocese, and is described in
1507 as a bailiff of the Abbey, when he and others were
admonished to do their duty better. The Rector and
Prebendary of Edington, John Ryve, was represented at
the election by the Prioress, Agnes Skyllyng, and by the
Sub-Prioress, Hawise Haynowe;
The proceedings lasted till 25th January, when the
temporal goods were delivered to the new Abbess, but
the actual election took place on Wednesday, i6th
December. The Mass for the guidance of the Holy Spirit
was solemnly sung and celebrated by Master John Newman,
perpetual Vicar of Romsey, "as the custom is," in the
Conventual Church, the sisters being present, and then
242 Records of Romsey Abbey.
the great bell rang to Chapter, and the Bishop's Chancellor,
Master John Incent, LL.D., gave " a wholesome exhortation."
The grace of the Holy Spirit was devoutly invoked by the
sisters on their knees, through the singing of the hymn
" Veni Creator Spiritus " with its versicles, and the collect
" Deus qui corda fidelium." Of the sisters who took part
in the election, fifteen were expressly professed, and seven
tacitly professed. The latter are described as of legal and
sufficient age, viz., fourteen years and above. Two sisters
were absent. They used on this, the last occasion of
electing an Abbess of Romsey, the least usual method,
that of " acclamation," or the uncontradicted declaration of
the common wish of the body, "per viam seu formam
inspiracionis seu quasi viam spiritus sancti." "And then
on our knees," says the President, " we gave ourselves to
prayer, beseeching God that He would be pleased to
enlighten and inspire our hearts to choose such an one for
Abbess as would appear devoted to God, and the more fit,
serviceable, and necessary to our Monastery." Then
suddenly, with united voice, as by the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit, they chose Elizabeth Ryprose for their Abbess.
Afterwards, the Te Deum Laudamus with its versicles
having been sung, and the bells rung, '' we caused Elizabeth
Ryprose elect to be carried to the high altar of our con-
ventual church — et earn super altare predictum prostratam
poni fecimus." Psalms were sung, and the accustomed
prayers were said over her by the Vicar, Master John
Newman, and the Bishop's Chancellor published the elec-
tion to the clergy and people assembled in a great
multitude, and then and there publicly showed them the
person elected. The nuns returned to the chapter house
and sent two of their number with the notary and wit-
nesses to the elect, " in domo familie sue " in the infirmary
near the cloister, to urge her to accept office, but she
The Suppression. 243
desired to deliberate till 2 p.m., and at last gave her
consent in these words : —
"In the name of God Amen. I Elizabeth Ryprose Sister
and nunne of this house of or blessid lady and saynt Ethelflede
of Rumsay in the diocesse of Winchestre of Thorder of saynt
Benet and to the said ordre there exprestly professid lawfully
elected and chosyn in Abbesse of the said house, and also to
consent to the said election made of me of the behalf of the
Convent of the said house by there procuratrices fyrstly secundly
and instantly and moost instantly requyred, not wyllyng farther-
more to resyst the wyll of God in that behalf: — In the name of
Jhesu Crist and his blessid mother Mary and saynt Ethelflede in
whose honor the said house and monastery is made and dedicate
I expressly consent to thelection of me made in that behalf and
therunto I gyve my consent to this present wrytyng.''
All this was according to custom, and is described in
similar terms at other elections to the office of Abbess, in
Romsey Monastery. In her oath to the Bishop, Elizabeth
concludes with the words, " In witenesse whereof I have
made thre crossis wt my hand the yere of or Lord God a
thousand fyve hundreth and twenty thre" {i.e., 1524). The
Bishop's letter of confirmation is dated i6th January, 1524,
and the temporalities were restored by the Crown on
25th Janiiary.
Elizabeth Ryprose had joined the nunnery more than
twenty years before this date, she would therefore have
been at least thirty-five or forty years old, and may have
been more ; she is not definitely mentioned as having held
any lesser office before she became Abbess. There are
indications that she was a capable woman, and did her
best to discharge the duties of her office faithfully under
a variety of circumstances of a most anxious character.
Injunctions were issued at once by the Bishop's Chancellor,
and Anne Talke, who was absent at the election, received
correction at his hands, but the nature of her offences is
not mentioned.
244 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Extract from Bishop Fox's Register.
Injunctions made by Master John Incent, ll.d., etc., sitting
judicially in the Monastery of Romsey, 1523, in the chapter-
house.
I. — The nuns are to keep silence in the church, cloister, frater,
and dormitory.
2. — They shall abstain from conversing with secular persons,
not only in the said places, but also in all other parts of the
Monastery, except with friends and kinsfolk, with whom they shall
hold communication by leave of the Abbess in the Abbess's great
chamber.
3. — They shall keep their foreheads covered to the middle
with their veils, and uniformly walk in measured pace with their
habits.
At the same day and place appeared Anne Talke, nun of the
said Monastery, and prostrated herself before the said John
Incent, and submitted to his correction and to penance for her
offences. Penance, that she go to prison for the next month, and
fast every Saturday (singulis sextis feriis), and take bread and
water only ; and after she comes out she shall not use " suis ligis
vocatis bendis," nor linen cloth under her chin, and shall take
a lower place in the Convent until she shall be dispensed.
The King had proposed to pay a visit to Romsey
sometime during 1526; the reason for his visit does not
appear, but he did not carry out his purpose for a very
good cause, w^hich Lord Sandys explains in a letter to
Wolsey, dated from Arundel, 6th August. "The King,"
he says, " will be at Winchester on the eve of the Assumption
(14th August), and will spend there the time he intended
to be at Romsey, where the sickness is." The sickness
spoken of here was the plague. From another letter it
appears that Bishop Fox entertained the King at Winchester.
" The latter was merry and in good health," writes Fitz-
William to Wolsey, "and had had great cheer with my
■-"oNVExr m-:ai iprol.aljlv uf I.ul- dutr).
, i ii'^ .\nniiMLi,uioij. ,
To far,
The Suppression. 245
Lord Arundel, Lord Delaware, Lord Lisle, and now with
my Lord of Winchester.''
Bishop Fox, in the latter years of his life, betook himself
to his diocese, lamenting his past neglect of his pastoral
charges, and leaving the Court affairs to Wolsey. He
became blind about 1521, and in 1522 writes to Wolsey
of his neglect of his diocese for thirty years, and also of his
four cathedral churches : — " he had never seen Exeter or
Wells, nor innumerable souls whereof I never see the
bodies." Yet it is impossible to think of Bishop Fox
except as a great and good man, and one who desired
to do what lay in his power to reform and assist the
Monasteries. About six months after the King's proposed
visit, and early in the year 1527, Romsey was again taken
in hand, possibly at the Abbess's instigation, who must
have had a time of severe trial by reason of the ill-doings
of several sisters. In the face of the several visitations
of Romsey Abbey during Bishop Fox's episcopate, it
cannot be said that no efforts were made to reform the
house ere the storm fell upon the Monasteries. The
account of this visitation reveals a lamentable state of
things in the case of several of the sisters, and closes with
the saddest event that stains the pages of the Abbey's
history.
Extract from Bishop Fox's Register.
"On i6th January, 1527, in the chapter-house of the
Monastery of Romsey, before the vicar-general, sitting
judicially, Lady Alice Gorsyn appeared, and confessed that
she had used bad language with her sisters, and spread
abroad reproachful and defamatory words of them. He
absolved her from the sentence of excommunication, and
enjoined on her in penance, that if she used bad language
in the future, and spread about defamatory words of them,
246 Records of Romsey Abbey.
a red tongue made of cloth should be used (in sua barba
alba) on the barbe under the chin, and remain there for
a month." This was to be repeated if she were again in
fault, and the Abbess was to carry out this injunction in
virtue of holy obedience.
On the same day, the said vicar-general by the bishop's
command removed lady Clemence Malyn from the offices of
sub-prioress and sextoness, on account of her negligence and
carelessness in her offices, as she had been removed by the
Abbess — and by authority and command of the Bishop and
consent of the Abbess he appointed lady Agnes Harvy, sub-
prioress, and lady Edith Banester, sextoness, and warned them
in virtue of holy obedience to faithfully execute the same offices
as they wished to answer for the same.
On the same day, lady Clemence Malyn, sworn to answer
faithfully in articles concerning her soul's health, and examined
by the said vicar-general, says that on a certain night which she
cannot recall, shortly before Christmas, the Abbess with the
receiver, came to her about the seventh hour, and asked for a
thief who was in the church ; she denied that anyone was in the
church, and the next day, again questioned by the Abbess, she
confessed that " dominus " Richard Johans was in the church in
an aisle before the altar of the Rood, about 7 o'clock at night.
Questioned by the said vicar-general, she confessed that she
had often publicly held communication with the said Richard
Johans in the church, the keepers of the church being present in
the church, before the aisle of the Rood and in other places in
the church, and sometimes other sisters being present ; neverthe-
less she denied that she had ever done wrong with him, and says
moreover that she often brought drink to him in the sacristy, but
she did not drink with him, and to other things she answers in
the negative — the vicar-general waits to give sentence until he
consults with the bishop. Afterwards, asked, she confesses that
she left the key of the door of "paradise" in a hole near the
door, by which key the said Richard often entered the church.
The Suppression. 247
At the same time and place Margaret Dowman con-
fessed to misconduct with one Thomas Hordes, and
penance was enjoined on her ; she was not to use any
linen upon her outer garments ; she was not to use the
ring of her profession, which she had violated ; and if she
carried a candle in procession she was to do so point
downwards, and therefore doubtless unlit. She was to
remain in prison for a year, and to abstain from intercourse
and conversation with her sisters for that period, with the
exception of the sister who had charge of her. During this
time she was to fast on bread and water and abstain from
other foods and drinks each third and sixth day for the
year, and on those days she was to receive discipline in the
chapter-house.
Amongst the miscellaneous charters in Lambeth Library
there is a Bull giving Papal protection to the Convent.
It is endorsed with the statement that it was shown by
John Foster on behalf of the Abbess and Convent on
7th June, 1527. This endorsement suggests that there was
some action at this time brought in the Court of Arches or
elsewhere about the lands or titles of the Abbey, and that
the Bull was produced in court as evidence. The Bull was
originally issued by a Pope Gregory in his tenth year.
There are only two Popes of this name who held the Papal
see for so long a period, Gregory VII (1073-1085) and
Gregory IX (1227-1241), and the protection would there-
fore seem to be of early date.
Bishop Fox was buried 5th October, 1528, and Wolsey,
who succeeded him, died in 1530. There are no entries
in his register relating to Romsey. It is not a little re-
markable that a Thomas Wolsey Canonicus should have
been ordained deacon in Romsey Abbey during Bishop
Waynflete's episcopate, on 7th April, 1480, by the Bishop
of Sidon, but as the great Cardinal was only born in
248 Records of Romsey Abbey.
147 1, it could not have been he who received holy orders
in 1480.
Bishop Gardiner's register contains no Romsey entries
till 1534, and there is no evidence, therefore, to show how
the Abbey fared during these six years, or how Bishop
Fox's discipline affected the lives of the sisters. This
was the year in which the Act of Supremacy was passed
declaring Henry supreme Head of the Church of England,
and in which the Nun of Kent, Elizabeth Barton, was
executed for treason, and the time of terror had therefore
begun. In the next year Sir Thomas More and Bishop
Fisher were executed, and Thomas Cromwell was made
vicar-general in matters ecclesiastical. He began enquiries
into the condition of the monasteries.
On 28th July, 1534, the Reverend Father John, Suffra-
gan of Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, received
the profession of nine nuns. The names and ages are
given, and it may be noticed that two were but fourteen
years old, which seems young for making full profession.
The ladies were Elizabeth Langriche, seventeen ; Katherine
Woodham (Wadham), twenty- three ; Marion Goddard,
fourteen ; Maria Carell, twenty ; Elizabeth Fleming, twenty ;
Katherine Westwood, fourteen ; Alice Stanley, fifteen ;
Agnes Hall, thirty-one ; and Alice Edmonde, seventeen.
All these ladies remained in the Convent till the suppres-
sion, with the exception of Elizabeth Fleming, whose name
does not appear in the list of 1538.
There are two letters written by Elizabeth Ryprose to
Cromwell this year, 1534, the one in November, in which
she complains that a man to whom she granted a lease,
according to the King's letter to her, has only paid twenty
marks of the fine which he promised to payj but at
Cromwell's order will give up the twenty nobles which are
yet unpaid. The other is dated 15th December, and in it
The Suppression. 249
she says, " I have received your letters, and am sorry I
cannot fulfil your request, for my grant is passed under
my seal for the term of my life, as is known to Master
Stafferton."
In the absence of Cromwell's letters to the Abbess, it is
impossible to judge exactly what was going forward, but
these letters seem to show that pressure was being brought
to bear upon the Convent to make appointments according
to the will of the Crown, and it may be that the Fosters
were appointed receivers in the February following under
Cromwell's directions. One of these Fosters was a notable
person during the last days of the monastery, and the
particulars of his appointment will be worth recording.
On the 20th February, 1535, the Abbess, Elizabeth
Ryprose, appointed Thomas Foster and his son, Master
John Foster, receivers of the Abbey in succession to
Thomas Thomson, clerk, and Master Richard Pashide,
The stipend was £i^ {i.e., £60), and i6s. 8cl. for livery,
and for the livery of two servants 20s. Rooms for the
receivers were appointed in the left part or south side
of the gate within the Abbey, together with fuel and
daily meat and drink. Stabling and provision was also
supplied for three horses. It was John Foster who became
notable by playing the part of the evil genius of the Abbey
in the work of the suppression ; to him probably is due the
destruction of the Abbey's rolls and MSS., and the un-
happy Abbess must have bitterly rued the day when she
appointed these men her receivers.
The suppression of the monasteries was now at hand.
In the July of 1535, Dr. Legh wrote to Cromwell offering
his services as a visitor, and recommending Richard Layton
as his co-adjutor. The first visitation began in October
and lasted only six months, and the Act for suppressing
the monasteries with an income under ;£^200 was passed
250 Records of Romsey Abbey.
February, 1536. The Court of Augmentation of the
King's revenue was set up and commissioners were ap-
pointed to carry out the suppression of these lesser
monasteries. Abbess Elizabeth Shelley of St. Mary's, Win-
chester, saved her monastery by a payment of ;^333. 6s. 8d.,
but the reprieve was but a short one. In October of this
year (1536), the rebellion in the north known as "the
Pilgrimage of Grace" broke out, the commissioners were
violently attacked, and some monasteries were reinstated
by the insurgents. But by the autumn of 1537, the Crown
had regained control of the country, and the visitations
were continued and extended over the whole of 1538 and
1539. The larger monasteries were bribed or threatened
into making surrender, indeed, it is said that few remained
by the close of the year 1538. An instance of how
matters were managed when a religious house was obsti-
nate is seen in the case of Amesbury. The Abbess
Florence Bannerman, who held out faithful to her trust,
was deposed on 15th December, 1539, and a pliable suc-
cessor, Joan Darrell, was appointed, who at once surrendered
to the Royal pleasure. Houses which surrendered obtained
an advantage, the abbess or prioress and her sisters receiving
pensions. For instance, Elizabeth Shelley, of S. Mary's,
Winchester, obtained a pension of £26. The Abbess of
Wherwell obtained ;^40, and her sisters from £3. 6s. 8d.
to £6 each. The pliant Joan Darrell of Amesbury
received ;£'ioo, and the Head of the wealthy Abbey of
Shaftesbury ;^I33.
The course of events at Romsey is not very clear. Sir
Richard Lyster of Stanbridge writes to Cromwell on 15th
September, 1538: "The Monastery of Romsey, hearing
they are in danger of suppression, are making leases and
alienating their goods. He desires to know whether he
should stay them in this." There have survived a number
The Suppression. 251
of deeds dated within a week of Sir Richard Lyster's letter,
viz., 20th September, making grants to a variety of persons.
Christopher Shorte is made wodeward of the woods within
the parish of Romsey, and he and his wife, the handmaiden
of the Lady (the Abbess), obtain a pension of 66s. 8d., with
a clause of distraint in case of nonpayment. These people
were doubtless faithful servants of the Abbess, who would
seem to have been kindly, if not wise, in her generation.
On the same day Henry Warner and Thomas Webbe were
appointed to the offices of bailiff and collector of rents,
formerly held by Christopher George and John Ray. This
may have been simply an appointment in the ordinary
course of things. It is difficult to say the same of the next
two gifts. Francis Strowde receives an annual rent of 40s.,
with a clause of distraint, and Nicholas Wadham, generosus,
obtains an annuity of £y under like conditions. The latter
grant has a special significance when it is recollected that
this gentleman had two daughters in the Abbey, Katherine
Wadham, who only became professed in 1534, and was
now sub-prioress, and Jane, who was here in 1523, and now
held the office of sextoness or sacristan. A third lady,
Elizabeth Hill, was probably a kinswoman. Sir Nicholas
having married as his first wife Joan, daughter of Robert
Hill, of Antony. The mother of the other two ladies was
Margaret, daughter of Sir John Seymour, of Wolfall, Wilts,
and sister to Queen Jane Seymour and Sir Thomas
Seymour. Sir Nicholas is described as of Merfield in
Somerset, and Governor of the Isle of Wight. His lady's
tomb may be seen in the church of S. Mary's Priory,
Carisbrooke.
The connection of the Wadhams with the Court may
have led the authorities to hope that the Monastery would
be easily and quietly surrendered. One of the receivers,
John Foster, who may very possibly be identified with
252 Records of Romsey Abbey.
John Foster appointed on ist September, 1536, to the
chaplaincies of S. Andrew within the Infirmary and of S.
Peter within the Abbey, writes a long letter to Sir Thomas
Seymour, 28th December, 1538: —
" In my most harty wise, Right Worshipful Syr,, I recommend
me unto you, and according to your request I doo herein signify
and subscribe unto you the state of the House of Romesey, the
Rents of Assize, and where they do lie, and the riches of the
same.
" First you shall understand that the House is outt of dette,
also the plate and jewels is worth cccli. and better, VI belles
be worth cli. at the lest, also the Chyrche is a great sumptuus
Thynge all of freestone and covered with lede which as I esteme
it is worth iij or iiijc//. or rather myche better."
He here gives a list of the manors and lordships belonging
to the convent, amounting to about ;^48i. is. Sd. annually.
Rents of the Abbey of Romsey ;
£ s
d
Lordship of Ry, yearly value
... 23s
Ichynstoke
28 9
of
Sydmanton
30 12
Tyleshade
... II 6
8
Dorset, Pewdell
2
Gloucester, Hownelacy
6 13
4
Wilts, Asheton, Edyngto
n ... 167
7i
;£-48i I
8
He contmues : —
"And when you wrote unto me by Mr. Flemynge, that I should
acerten you, whether I thought the Abbas wt. the rest of the
Nunys wolde be content to surrender up their house, the truthe
is I doo percyve throwght the mocyon that yr. kinswomen and
others yr. fryndes made for you the wil be content at all tymes to
doo you any pleasure they may, but I perceyve they wolde be
loth to trust to the commyssioners gentylnes ffor they heresay
that other houses have been straytely handeled, and this fare you
harteley well at Romesey the xxviiith day of December. John
Foster, Rec."
The Suppression. 253
Then follow the names of the Abbess Elizabeth Ryprose and
twenty-five nuns.
Names of the Convent of Romsey : —
Elizabeth Ryperose, Abbess. Margyt Parkyns.
Edith Banester, Prioress. Margyt Dolman.
Katherine Waddham, Sub-Prss. Jelyan More.
Jane Waddham, Sextoness. Bowne Pownde.
Alys Whythynstall. Mawde Stronge.
Abell Howrelston. Mary Carell.
Jane Kersall. Elysabeth Langryshe.
Agnes Pottenhall . Agnes Hall.
Alys Gorphyer. Maryan Goddard.
Jane Clyfford. Alys Stanle.
Anne Fox. Katheryn Westwode.
Eliz. Hyll. Avys Edmondes.
Anne Butteler. Agnes Harvy.
The letter seems to disclose a willingness on the part of
the Convent to listen to terms. The visitor, Richard
Layton, in a letter to Cromwell written this year, speaks of
his departure towards Romsey. His letter bears no exact
date, but the tone of Foster's letter of 28th December, 1538,
implies that the Abbey had not then been visited ; if so,
Layton's visit followed during the next three months, the
year 1538 ending, according to the old reckoning, on 25th
March of the year following. No account has survived as
to the visitor's proceedings, nor as to the last days and
suppression of the Abbey. It is, however, significant that
in the deed of 1544 by which the Crown made over the
great church to the townsfolk the following passage occurs :
"All and every of which premises {i.e., the church and
ground surrounding it for twenty-four feet) came down
to our hands by reason or pretext of a certain paper gift,
concession and confirmation by the late Abbess and
Convent of the said late Monastery to us [i.e., the King),
our heirs, and successors, thence made and given up, or by
reason of the dissolution of the same late Monastery^ This
passage might seem to declare the voluntary surrender of
254 Records of Romsey Abbey.
the Convent, but the last phrase, and the absence of
pensions as noticed above, points rather to a forcible
suppression.
About a year and a half after Foster's letter, Romsey is
included in a list of houses voluntarily surrendered, in Court,
with certain suppressed by Act of Parliament. These houses
were Beaulieu, Southwick, Hide, Romsey, S. Swithun's,
and S. Mary's, Winchester, Titchefeld, Wherwell, etc.
(29th September, 1540). Here is nothing definite; more
significant is a license issued in January, 1539, to the
Abbess and Convent to alienate the lordship or manors of
Edington and Steeple Ashton, etc., to Sir Thomas Seymour.
This license to the Convent seems to imply weakness on
the part of the Abbess ; perhaps she hoped by casting one
great member of the estate to the wolves to buy off the
rest. If so, she was mistaken. The Abbey was suppressed,
but there seems to have been no unworthy surrender for
private gain on the part of the Abbess. Elizabeth Ryprose
and her sisters had no pensions, as they would have had if
a voluntary surrender had been agreed to.
The members of a suppressed monastery were much to
be pitied, and the more so if they were of devout mind and
believed conscientiously in their vows. Friends and relations
might be found to give them a home, but a hearty welcome
would be more than doubtful ; and in some cases they
must have been driven to seek a livelihood in a world to
which they were not accustomed. If a devout sister
obtained an independence, the life in a regulated society
was no longer open to her, and if she did her best to fulfil
her vows, it can have been only accomplished in a modified
form. Possibly in some cases the head of a disbanded
monastery kept some of her sisters with her, in a quasi
community life. The case of Abbess Elizabeth Shelley, of
the Nunna Minster, Winchester, is worthy of notice. At
MR. JOHN LATHAM, F.R.S.
F.S. A.
To face p. 254.J
[See page 330.
The Suppression. 255
her death she left 20s. to each of seven nuns, who seem to
have been her companions.
The after-life of the Romsey sisters is unknown, with
one exception. Jane Wadham, the daughter of Sir Nicholas
mentioned above, obtained " capacity," as it was called, to
return to the world. Her story is a strange one, and may
best be told in the words of an old document : —
Commission relating to Jane Wadham.
nth June, 1541. — Commission to Cuthbert Bp. of Durham,
Nicholas Bp. of Rochester, Thomas Bp. of Westminster,
Horwood Attorney General and William Petre ll.d. to
enquire concerning the petition of Jane Wadham alias Foster,
who states that after arriving at years of discretion she was forced
by threats and machinations of malevolent persons to become a
regular nun in the house of nuns at Rumsey, but, having both in
public and in private always protested against this seclusion, she
conceived herself free from regular observance, and in that
persuasion joined herself in matrimony with one John Foster
" per verba de presenti," intending to have the marriage solemn-
ized as soon as she was free from her " religion," and afterwards
the same parties who had compelled her to become a nun induced
the said John by their threats to become a priest ; which notwith-
standing as soon as the said Jane was released from her vows, the
marriage was solemnized in facie ecclesise and they lived together
for sometime as man and wife, till certain malevolent persons
aspersed their marriage as contrary to laws divine and human
and caused her husband to deny his marital obligations. The
commissioners are authorized to pronounce the marriage valid,
if they shall so find it.
The husband of this lady was without a doubt the same
John Foster who was a receiver of rents for the Abbey, and
the writer of the letter to Sir Thomas Seymour about the
negotiations as to the surrender.
2S6 Records of Romsey Abbey.
He rented property at Baddesley, formerly belonging
to the Knights Hospitallers, and lived there, and undoubtedly
benefited in the scramble for the Abbey's lands. He con-
tinued to occupy "the farm of a messuage with garden,
dovecot, land, and pasture, in Romsey aforesaid, which
Nicholas Wethers, chaplain, lately occupied as parcel of
the chantry of the late Nicholas Braffeld ; to this was
attached an annuity of £'j. I2J." John Foster had been
appointed to this office that he might celebrate divine
service for the souls of Nicholas Braffeld and his wife
within the parish church of Romsey for life ; and the
emoluments were confirmed to him by the Court of
Augmentation after the suppression, though the duties
may very possibly have fallen into abeyance.
He and his father, Thomas Foster, continued to receive
stipends as stewards. To the latter the Court of Augmen-
tation confirmed a lease for ninety-nine years made by the
Abbess and Convent on the eve of the suppression, loth
July, 1538. The farm included various parcels of land,
including Brodelande, Smalmede, Prestland, Stywardes-
lande, Peryton, Shortesdydche, Langelande, eighty acres in
Northgaston, Pastyry, Bycroft, Hille Feldes, Wodlee,
Inslnesborough, Oxlease, Northynmore, and all other
parcels of land within the parish of Romsey, with all
coppice wood or timber growing within the said parcels of
land, and common of pasture in the common pastures of
the Monastery, with sheep, horses, and other animals, and
in the said wood with pigs. The rent was £\o, perhaps in
modern money £120 a year.
In spite of " malevolent persons," and the trouble they
had at first to obtain recognition of their marriage, John
Foster and his wife must have settled down quietly. He
appears as the incumbent of Baddesley at the ecclesiastical
visitation of IS43, together with Sir Robert, his curate,
The SurPRESsiON. 257
and two laymen, William Cassett and another. Their
family consisted of three children, Edward, Andrew, and
Jane. Andrew married Barbara Abarrow, by whom he
had a daughter Mary, who married an Edward Abarrow,
and another daughter Audrey, who married Sir William
Abarrow of North Charford, Southampton. Andrew
Foster seems to have been extravagant and to have sold
the property, and in Marsh's little book on Baddesley some
rude lines, current in the neighbourhood, are quoted from
an MS. written by Richard Morley of Hursley before
1668. They run as follows, and the "rudeness" is
explained of his extravagance in selling the estate, a
rough wasteful fellow one must suppose : —
" Mr. Foster of Baddesley was a good man
Before the marriage of priests began,
For he was the first that married a nun,
For which he begat a very rude son."
Mr. Foster appears to have been still living in 1556-7.
The fortunes of the Abbey estate immediately after the
Suppression and some notes on tenants and owners will be
given in the next chapter. It is impossible to close this
chapter without some words of reflection on the history of
the great Abbey. The House in the early days had been
great by reason of its piety, great, too, as an establishment
in which education was highly prized, great also in its
wealth and influence and by reason of its members, who
were often of noble birth and sometimes of royal descent ;
but it had fallen, and fallen not only as with many other
houses, by reason of social changes, but also deservedly by
reason of the moral obliquity of its members. Dr. Gasquet
says that out of thirteen counties the Commissioners
Layton and Legh found only twenty-seven nuns, in all,
charged with vice and even of these all but ten received
pensions. Romsey, it must be confessed, was one of the
s
258 Records of Romsey Abbey.
houses which could have given some colour to the charges
of bad living which were so freely and, broadly speaking,
so unjustly fastened upon religious houses. It would be a
grave error for anyone to rise up from reading of Romsey's
fall and conclude that the whole system was bad. No
doubt there were too many religious houses in England,
and the number required diminishing ; no doubt a good
deal of reform and revival was needed ; no doubt in some
cases the funds might well have been diverted to other
religious and educational objects. But the wholesale
sweeping away of the monastic establishments was both
a crime and an error, and especially in the case of establish-
ments for women. The education of young women, the
opportunities for a distinct sphere of work in life for
unmarried women, the definite life of self-dedication to
Christ's service, with its power of continual intercession
and witness, were swept away at one stroke.
The dissolution of iioo religious houses for monks and
nuns, and the absorption of ^140,745. 6s. 2d. (or possibly
;£^2,8oo,ooo modern value) cannot be viewed by any im-
partial mind otherwise than with feelings of astonishment
and shame. Nor was this all, men and, to a greater
degree, women, many of them devoted to their religious
profession, and innocent of crime, were subjected to suffer-
ings of all kinds, by being suddenly cast upon the world
For many, both immediately before and directly after the
Suppression, the times must have appeared dark indeed.
So Romsey Monastery passed away ; happily for suc-
ceeding generations the great and beautiful church was
rescued by the townsfolk as is described in a deed which
now hangs in the south vestry.
PEDIGREES OF WADHAM AND FOSTER.
Sir John Wadham =f Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Stephen Popham.
Sir John =j= Elizabeth Stukeley.
J
John
I
Sir Nicholas =F (l) Joan, daughter of Robert Hill of Antony and Halsway.
=j= (2) Margaret, daughter" of Sir John Seymour, and sister of
Q. Jane Seymour, and Sir Thomas Seymour.
Joan Tregarthin. Nicholas,
ffi 1583, [Widow
of John Kalewayt
of Rockburne.]
Jane -i- lohn Foster Katharine.
I
Nicholas = Dorothy.
® 1609.
[Founders of Wadham
College, Oxford.]
[Nun at
Romsey.]
of Baddes- [Nun at
ley. Romsey.]
r
Edward.
-+-
Andrew =^ Barbara
Abarrow.
Jane.
Mary = Edward Audrey = Sir William
Abarrow. Abarrow.
* B.M. Harl. MS. 1385, p. 33, says "sister of Sir John S.," but this appears to
be a mistake.
t Inherited Rockburne from the " de Romeseyes " through the Binghams.
To face page 258.
The Suppression. 259
REFERENCES.
Episcopal Registers of Winchester.
Letters and Papers of Henry VIII.
Deed in Romsey Vestry.
Ecclesiastical Visitation of Hants. B. M. Add. 12,483.
Miscellaneous Books, Court of Augmentations, Vol. 102, p. 51.
CHAPTER XV.
« AFTERWARDS."
' The old order changeth, yielding place to new,
And God fulfils Himself in many ways,
Lest one good custom should corrupt the world."
Tennyson, Morte d' Arthur.
Chapter XV.
"AFTERWARDS."
A FTER the suppression of a monastery, the conventual
buildings were, as a rule, demolished or greatly
modified. At Romsey some of the buildings were retained
for the use of the tenants of the farms into which the
property was divided. It would be a matter of no slight
interest to reconstruct the plan of the Abbey buildings as
they stood on the eve of the suppression ; this, however,
cannot be accurately done without some extended excava-
tions, which have not at present been undertaken. If,
however, the plan of a Benedictine house be borne in
mind, and some notes about the Romsey Convent, found
in contemporary documents, be gathered together, a general
view of the buildings may be arrived at.
The cloister lay to the south side of the great church ;
the corbels which supported the side of the cloister roof,
abutting on the south aisle, are still visible. On the
opposite and south side of the cloister, traces of the frater
might be looked for ; and here, in one of the present
dwelling-houses, the walls are of such a thickness as to leave
no doubt that they formed part of the original building,
perhaps the undercroft or cellars of the frater. The kitchen
would have been close by, and probably to the south of the
frater. The kitchen window looked into the outer court of
the monastery, and in the days of slack discipline became
264 Records of Romsey Abbey.
the means of communication between some of the sisters
and idle acquaintances.
To the west of the frater the Abbess seems to have had
her separate apartments. The Abbess's lodging is said, in
Bishop Waynflete's Register, to have had one door towards
the court {i.e., the Curia, or outer court), and one towards
the hall {i.e., the guest hall), which latter may therefore
have stood on the west side of the cloister. The Abbess's
lodging is also spoken of as having an upstairs and inner
chamber between an upstairs oratory or chapel and the
great upstairs chamber of the Abbess. After the sup-
pression, a reference is made by the King's Bailiff, in
his account roll, to " Chabbey's lodging," meaning " the
Abbess's lodging." This is the description : —
" Farm of the site of the late Abbey with a dwelling-house
called Chabbey's lodginge, containing 51 feet in length (between
a hall called the Householde Halle i) from the west end of the
same to the chapel of S. Peter at the East end of the said house,
together with the said chapel, a kitchen, granary, stable, and a
new barn in a court called the ' utter courte of the monastery.' "
From this reference to the Abbess's lodging, it may be
assumed that her separate apartments stood to the west
of the frater, and the chief rooms would seem to have
been upstairs. The upstairs chapel may then perhaps be
identified with the Chapel of S. Peter. There are several
references to the Abbess's private oratory in the Episcopal
Registers.
The usual site of the Chapter House was to the east
of the cloister, and parallel with the south transept of the
Church. The nuns' dorter or dormitory probably stood on
this side of the cloister and at right angles to the frater.
Beyond the east side of the cloister there was a garden,
the wall of which reached to within some yards of the
1 This is crossed out in the original document.
" Afterwards." 265
outer gateway into the market place. Just beyond the
eastern wall of this garden, and between it and the gate,
and perhaps standing back some sixty feet, with an alley
twenty-six feet wide approaching it, stood the Clerk's or
Chaplain's house, and to the rear of this and possibly
extending to the Lady Chapel, was the Paradise, with a
stream of water flowing through it. This stream is now
covered in, and runs at the back of the houses facing the
Market Place. The King's Bailiff says : —
"A tenement commonly called the 'Clerkes Chamber,' with
all chambers, houses, and buildings between the said tenement
and the stone wall of the outer gate of the monastery, and a
parcel of the said outer court, containing 60 ft. in length from the
end of the said stone wall to the end of the wall of the garden
called ' Chabbes Garden,' and 26 feet in breadth, and a parcel of
land at the end of the said tenement called ' Paradise,' containing
.... in length from the said tenement to the water course in
the parcel called Paradise, including a part of the same water."
Over the gateway there were chambers, and annexed
to the gate was a tenement called the " Receyvours
lodginge," for the use of the officer who received the rents
of the Abbey, or in other words, the Steward of the
Monastery.
There must have been a general scramble for the site
and lands of the Abbey, which were either sold or let on
lease. A part of the site, together with Tappesham and
other meadows, was let to Francis Flemmynge, Esq. ; the
Clerke's Chamber to Peter Westbroke, Esq., one of the
under-stewards, and possibly a kinsman of the Abbess
Anne Westbroke. The gatehouse was leased to John
Richards. Significant notes are made against several of
the properties, thus: — "The said demesne lands for Richard
Lister, Kt." This is the case with Brodelande, Smalmede,
Prestland, Stywardesland, Peryton, Shortesdych, Lange-
266 Records of Romsey Abbey.
lande, eighty acres in Northgaston, Pastyry, Bycroft, Hill
Feldes, Wodlee, Inslnesborough, Oxlease, and Northyn-
more. A similar note is found against Luzborough, and
also against the gatehouse, and with reference to the Manor
of More Abbot and More Malwyn, then leased to Richard
Dowce.
A reference has already been made to Sir Richard
Lister as living at Stanbridge in 1522, and as the writer of a
letter to Cromwell on 15th Sep., 1538, warning him that the
Abbess and Convent were alienating their property. He
was made Solicitor General, 1522 — 1526, and Chief Baron
of the Exchequer in 1530. He is spoken of as residing at
Southampton in 154S, and he is described as Lord Chief
Justice of the Common Pleas in 1546. He was buried at
S. Michael's, Southampton, 17th March, 1554, having died
on the 14th March. An old MS. of 1719 thus describes
his tomb : —
"In the aforesaid dormitory {i.e., sleeping place of the de-
parted) against the south part lyes on a handsome stone tomb,
the figure of a judge on his back, dressed in scarlet, a collar of
S.S. round his breast, a judge's cap on his head, and a book in
his right hand. On a sort of cornice supported by three pillars,
there is this remnant of an inscription : —
' Et dicto Elizabeth hoc in viduetate
sua curavit, 18 die Marcie, 1567.'"
It is said that the Manor of Romsey Extra continued
whole in the King's hands till July, 1558, except the part
in Wiltshire granted to Sir Thomas Seymour. A grant in
fee for ;^900, however, was made to Messrs. Foster and
Marden, 17th December, 1544. It included lands in
Wellow and Romsey, which had been in the tenure of
Sir Richard Lyster, Chief Baron of the Exchequer. The
Manor of Romsey Extra included the profit of two annual
fairs and a very long list of messuages is appended. The
site of the Monastery {i.e., Romsey Infra) was granted to
" Afterwards." 267
Messrs. Bellowe and Biggot, by letters patent dated 28th
January, 1547, and these gentlemen made a grant to Sir
Francis Flemynge.
Amongst the records of the Duchy of Lancaster of
the year 1607, there occur the depositions of a number of
witnesses with reference to Sir Francis Fleming's rights in
the two manors of Romsey Infra and Extra. They say
that he had the Infra manor by inheritance, and that the
Extra manor was granted to him by letters patent in the
time of Philip and Mary ; this was on the i8th July, 1558.
One witness had heard that the grant was for forty years,
for which he paid ;£'40 a year, apparently a lease ; but his
son William, who had lately died [in 1606], seems to have
continued the holding. Much of the evidence relates to
some woods near Rownhams, and as the account of the
boundaries preserves several local names, some notes are
worth inserting : —
(i.) "From Roonam's gate, leading westwards to a gutter
which goeth downe to three laakes, and from these three laakes
leading northwards through the woods to Julian's well, and from
Julian's well to Maggett's Corner."
(2.) " Maggett's Corner and a lake running between Hol-
borne wood and Coome wood-Julian's well. Two lakes, the one
of the south and the other of the north, which meeting, divide the
woods called Holborne wood from Coome wood ; Coome wood
being on the east and Holborne on the west."
(3.) "Austrey wood, bounded on the west by Lee Greene
and on the north by Bell's meade, and so upwards to the highway
leading between Hampton and Romsey, which highway is bounded
by Austrey and Holborne woods. Austrey wood bounded upon
a peece of ground of Mr. Paulett's and another called White, upon
the south side. The highway from Hampton to Romsey bounds
Holborne wood on the east side, and on the south to Mr. Mills'
land, and so upwards to a piece of arable land, part whereof is
the Dean of Windsor's and part Mr. Richard Mills', and so
268 Records of Romsey Abbey.
leading to a hedge almost to Rownams gate, and so leading to
three gutters or springs, and from them northwards to Julian's
well and so to Maggett's Corner, and from there downe a highway
to Austrey Crosse."
(4.) Mention is made of Border Crosse, White Comer,
Hartegreen and Lingedon Hill.
(5.) The witnesses say that they know of trees being cut for
wood and fuel used for making and repairing the beacon called
Totehill Beacon. This hill is the high point of the neighbour-
hood, having ancient entrenchments adjoining ; it is marked
" Telegraph " in the older maps, and no doubt served for a signal
station for a great number of years.
There are a number of other grants quoted by Mr.
Latham, or to be found in the books of the Court of
Augmentations in the Public Record Office. These grants
would be of value in tracing out the descent of properties,
whenever a sketch of the later history of Romsey is written.
The King presented John Mason to the Prebend of
Tymesbury on the 28th May, 1540; this he resigned on
the 7th April, 1546. In 1541 Sir Roger Taylor was Curate
of Tymesbury, having his stipend from William Mody.
This Prebend was apparently shorn of its titles and
perhaps of its revenues, for formerly it was called the
Prebend of S. Laurence the Greater, having Tymesbury
and Imber attached to it. This year, in May, 1541, the
Rectory was granted to the Dean and Chapter of "the
royal college of the Holy Trinity, Winchester," and
according to Mr. Latham they granted the Parsonage (w.,
Rectory) to Sir Francis Flemynge, 17 th November, 1542.
The Dean and Chapter do not seem to have obtained the
patronage of the Vicarage at once. The old Vicar, John
Newman, who lived all through the troublous times, was
ill in IS43, but he lived on till 1547, when Walter Morys
was appointed Vicar on i6th March. The patron on this
occasion, and for this turn only, being Richard Wynslade,
" Afterwards." 269
to whom this privilege was deputed by the late Receiver
of the Abbey, Thomas Foster, in virtue of an advowson
made to him by the late Abbess and Convent, then patrons.
On 6th September, 1558, the Dean and Chapter appointed
Thomas Chester as Vicar, and thus exercised their right
of patronage, which they continued to do till the time of
Bishop Thorold, when by an exchange Romsey Vicarage
came into the hands of the Bishop.
In 1 541 John Payne is described as Curate of Romsey,
having his stipend from Master John Newman, Vicar. At
the same time some clerical office was filled by Sir Nicholas
Withers, having his stipend from Elinora Segwyke,^ widow.
This Nicholas Withers had been chaplain of the chantry
of Nicholas Braffeld, occupying a messuage with garden,
dovecot, land and pasture attached to this chantry.
Besides Sir John Payne and Sir Nicholas Withers there
were two other clerics at Romsey who presented them-
selves at the ecclesiastical Visitation of 1543, viz.. Sir
Thomas Bardolf and Sir William Tomys. In addition to
the clergy there were present eleven laymen, described as
Jurati : — John Hancocke, Robert Rolfif,^ Christopher Short,
Simon Clerk, Walter Carter,^ William Newman, Walter
Bayly, William Purfyshe, Robert Burnham,* William
Blowes,^ and William Sandley. John Hancocke died
about the end of 1 549, leaving a house in Chervill Street
which he had lately bought of William Burnett, merchant,
of Southampton. Simon Clerke lived on till 1557 ; an
account of his will may be deferred to a later page.
A very important event took place on 20th February,
1 544, for which the town of Romsey cannot be too grateful ;
so important, indeed, was the transaction effected on that
day, that its anniversary might very properly be kept.
1 The Segwykes were kinsfolk of John Bull the Mercer, who died 1540.
2 Husbandman. ' Farmer. * Miller. 6 Clothier.
270 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Up to the suppression in 1539, the town had been rather
the appendage of the Abbey, which exercised lordship
over it, though the town had evidently sought and attained
some sort of separate existence, as may be seen from the
history of its guilds described in Chapter XL From the
year 1539 the town stood alone, and it speedily showed
its vitality by the important transaction of 1 544, when the
townsfolk bought the great Church from the Crown for
;^ioo, say ;^I200 of present day money. Four men,
Robert Cook, John Salt,^ John Ham, and John Knight,
are described in the deed as " Guardians of the Church of
Romsey." John Knyght died about the end of the year
1549, leaving 6s. 8d. for the repair of the Parish Church,
and requesting his friend, John Ham, to be one "of the
overseers of his will. John Salte, yeoman, made his will
29th July, 1 5 54, and died about the close of the year.
The townspeople obtained from the Crown at the
beginning of Queen Mary's reign (c. 1554), one or two
articles of Church plate, a mere trifle indeed of what had
been seized, but still worth having. A " Crismatori of
silver, one littel Bottell of silver and one littell Cuppe of
silver," were delivered to Robert Beare, John Raynolde,
and John Levermore. Robert Bere was a husbandman,
and one of the Levermores was a smith.
Another matter seems to have engaged the attention of
the townsfolk at this time. Hitherto the bells had hung
in a tower separate from the Church, and situate to the
north of the Church, on a plot of ground east of the great
churchyard. This plot still yields an income of £6, which,
at the present time, is appropriated to the Churchwardens'
Funds. It was now apparently resolved, owing perhaps to
the unsafe condition of the tower, or to the inconvenience of
having the belfry away from the Church and to the cost of its
1 Tanner.
"Afterwards." 271
upkeep, to remove and rehang the bells in the great tower.
Sir Francis Fleming in 1558 makes this entry in his will,
" I give to the Church of Rumsey, towards the hanging of
the bells in the tower, 20s." Simon Gierke had already, in
1557, left 1 3 J. 4cl. for the like purpose. Mr. Latham says
that the rehanging of the bells was not accomplished till
1624, and quotes a passage from one of the Church
Registers to this effect: — "This year [1624] were the bells
hung up in the tower, a little before Christmas, and in the
January following was the old belfry taken down ; J. Cooper
and William Elderfield, Churchwardens." Either, therefore,
the work was delayed for sixty-seven years, or the bells at
the earlier date were rehung in the old tower.
A serious loss must have occurred to the poorer folk
of the town by the suppression of the alms men and
women, or pensioners of the Abbey. This Charity, it will
be remembered, was made by King Edgar when the Abbey
was refounded in 967. A reference is made to it by the
King's bailiff in his Account Roll of 1539-41, he says: —
"In alms yearly distributed between 13 poor and feeble
women, by the foundation of King Edgar, late founder of the
monastery, allowed in the King's book of tithes for 13 women
at 40/- each, allowance this year by consideration of the King's
officers ^£15."
In the next year he allows ^10, three having died, and
the same allowance is made in the year following for ten
women, " as appears by a bill in the hands of Peter West-
broke and Francis Flemyng."
A similar entry deals with seven old and feeble men,
who have £7 the first year, £6 the next year, " the 7th
being dead," and 1 10s. is allowed the year following, with
the explanation that it is for six men, " of whom one died
before the feast of the Nativity of S. John the Baptist
within the time of this account." It is evident that this
272
Records of Romsey Abbey.
ancient gift was to be allowed to die out, and that the town
was no longer to benefit by the charity. It is astonishing
that the Crown should have swept away even this small
and purely charitable institution to satisfy its greed.
The two accompanying lists have been preserved with
the account. The first may be supposed to be a list of
the women of King Edgar's foundation ; the second, a list
of the inhabitants of the Hospital of S. Mary Magdalene
and S. Anthony, referred to in Chapter XII, p. 204.
Augmentation Office. — Miscellaneous Books.
No. 446, Folio I.
The Namys of
Jone Carpendore.
Margery Ridare.
Elyzabeth Smok.i
Marget Pursse.
Joane Crede.
Joane Houbis.
Isabella Novell.
Joane Arnolde.
Flowrance Anc.
Elyzsabeth Sadfeld.2
Edmonde Heliars.
the poure Systeres of Rumsay.
Jone Carpenter.
Margery Rede.
Elizabeth Smok.
Margery Purse.
Jone Crede.
Mortua est.
Mortua est post Festum.
Annunciacionis beate Marie.
Jone Arnold.
Mortua.
Mortua est post Festum.
Annunciacionis beate Marie.
The poure almysse men and wetnen of the Spetyll.
Mortuus est post Festum,
Wyllyam Hunt. Annunciacionis beate Marie.
Robart Wemell. Robertus Vernell.
Wyllyam Homys. Willelmus Holme.
Wyllyam Yngram. William Yngram.
Katerine Holboume.^ Katheryne Holbourne.
Isabelle Bryone. Mortua est.
Three lists of tax-payers, one of 1524-5, another of
1544, and another of 1549, give the names of many
1 Altered from Rope. ^ Nota, lately putt in.
3 Altered from Kynge.
" Afterwards." 273
Romsey families at this time. The first list gives 163
names, and the tax seems to have been levied from a
wider class of inhabitants than on the later occasions.
Six wage-earners of £1 apiece were taxed and paid 4d.
each, a class of men not found in the other lists. In
1544 there were 43 tax-payers in the district, including
Romsy Extra, and the hamlets of Woberye, Lee, Kepern-
ham, , and Roke, together with 29 persons in the
town, giving a total of only 71. In 1549 only 29 persons
are named, and the class of taxpayers is still further limited.
This latter list is of especial interest because it gives the
occupations of the tax-payers, which include a smith, a
wheeler, three clothiers, a miller, a tanner, two tailors, two
butchers, a cosier {t.e., cobbler), three gentlemen, two
farmers, and six husbandmen. It may be worth recollecting
that in 1340 there were but 16 tax-payers in Romsey
Extra, and 56 in Romsey Infra, making a total of 72, as
against a total of 7 1 in 1 544 ; but no inference can be
drawn as to the rise or fall of the population, owing to the
variation of classes from which the taxes were drawn.
The following table gives some particulars of the three
lists of the sixteenth century : —
Name. Highest Assessment. Lowest Assessment. Tax.
1524-5. £ s d £ s d £ s d
Dowce, Richard ... 60 o o ... — — ... 300
Several persons ... — — .-■ 100 ... 004
1544.
Dowse, John ... 30 o o ... — — ... 300
Smyth, Edward ... — — ... i 6 8 ... o 2 8
1549-
Kyrby, John ... 40 o o ... — — ... 200
Several persons ... — — ... 10 o o ... o 10 o
The two persons, John Dowse (assessed on lands), and
John Kyrby, are spoken of as gentlemen, and with refer-
ence to their assessments and to the value of money and
the cost of a household it may be worth referring to the
274 Records of Romsey Abbey.
well-known description by Hugh Latimer (born 1490) of
the household of his father, a Leicestershire yeoman.^ The
latter farmed land at a rent of £^-£4, for which his suc-
cessor had to pay £16 (or four times the amount), in 1549,
the date of the Romsey tax-payers' list. From this farm
he "tilled so much as kept half-a-dozen men." His wife
milked thirty kine ; he had a walk for 100 sheep. He
could give his daughters at their marriage £^ or 20 nobles
each. He sent his son to school, and gave alms to the
poor, and all this he did of the same farm. At a rather
earlier date, the Black Book of Edward IV (© 1483)
gives the household accounts of a squire who can spend
^50 a year: —
Victuals
Repairs and furniture
Horses, hay, carriages
Clothes, alms, and oblations
Chaplain, 2 yeomen, 2 grooms, 2 boys, in wages ..
Livery of dress
Hounds, and charges of hay-time and harvest, etc
£
24
5
4
4
9
2
I
s
6
10
4
a
.£50
John Dowse, the Romsey tax-payer, mentions in his
will, proved 6th February, 1559, the manor of Chilworth,
and "my manors of Sparshott magna and parva," and
makes reference to interest he had in other places. At the
date of the Romsey tax-payers' list, 1 549, rents had indeed
quadrupled since the time of Hugh Latimer's father, but
John Dowse, with his £^0 assessment and his freehold
or tenancy of other properties was a man of comfortable
competency, and may well have been able to spend on his
household a sum perhaps exceeding the disbursement of the
;^50 squires of the earlier date. Richard Dowce, probably
his father, had farmed the lands at More Courte and More
Malens in 1539, paying ;£'22. 12s. a year rent to the Crown ;
1 See Stubbs' Constitutional History, Vol. III.
" Afterwards." 275
here the son John continued to live, and an interesting
glimpse of the manner of living of a gentleman, and one of
the chief inhabitants of Romsey, is suggested to the mind
of the student.
Some matters of interest are to be gleaned from the
old wills of this period. Winchester College, it appears,
held property in Romsey ; this fact is mentioned as early
as 1494, when William Molens leaves to his eldest son
John the remainder of the lease of his house in the Market
Place, which he holds of Lord Awdeley, and his dye-house
and stable in Porter's Bridge, which he holds of the New
College of Winchester.
Again in the will of John Bull, mercer of Romsey, who
died in 1540, the College is mentioned. The worthy
mercer had houses in Mydill Brige Strete and dwelt in
a house in the Market Place. He also owned a house
which John Judson the taylor had lately occupied ; the
latter he leaves to his sister Elizabeth Wellis, together with a
coverlet ''whereon was worked the salutation of our Lady."
He speaks of John Mollins as his brother, and mentions as
in the above will the Winchester College ground. " All
my timber that lyeth at the parte brige, which is the ground
that longeth unto the New College of Winton, should be
bestowed among my housing (houses) in Rumsey."
Winchester College also held property in the south of
the town. The tenement of Robert Burnham, the miller,
is described, 17th December, 1544, as in "Mille Strete
between the tenements of Wade Manor and the lands of
Winchester College." As early as 1453 the College was
assessed to pay a tax of 4^. on goods and chattels in the
town of Romsey.
The will of John Salt, yeoman, contains references to
familiar place-names in the town. He died in 1555, and
2/6 Records of Romsey Abbey.
the will was proved on 3rd May. " His pewke gown furred
with lambe, his jacket of cloth, and dublet of lether," may
serve to conjure up before the imagination an old world
figure who lived in that strange transition period from the
old to the modern world. His daughter Agnes, it appears,
and her husband John Kychener had died in 1539, and left
their children John, Thomas, and Agnes, to the care and
governance of John Salt and his wife Elizabeth, their
grandparents. It is not therefore surprising to find that,
when the grandfather John died, he left much of his
property to his two grandsons. To John came the half an
acre of arable land, once Cecilie Pope's, lying behind
Langeton's house in the tythinge of Maynson, and one acre
of meadow in Euy betwixt the land of the said John on
the north side. To Thomas came a house in Middlebridge
Street, sometime Sampson's, lying at the Bridge End,
together with one close bought by John Salt of Lord
Audeley, lying in the back side of the said house ; also
another close lying without the bridge, which had been
bought of Master Foster, sometime the holding of William
Apowell. In addition to these there was another close,
lying to the back side of the house at Bridge End beyond
John Kychener's Orchard, also purchased of Master J.
Foster, and property held by indenture of Lord Chidiok
Pawlet,^ and an acre of meadow in Walding, and an acre
of land in Wollynfelde.
Simon Clerk, whose name is found in the lists of tax-
payers of 1544 and 1549, died early in 1558. His will has
a very special interest for the town, because in it, for the
first time, there is a reference to the Mayor. If his sons or
son have no issue, his house in Middlebridge, Arnold's
house and orchard, and the orchard joining unto Robert
Bull's house are to remain to the parish. The Mayor and
Constables are alwaies to see the yearly rent thereof to be
' Buried at Eling.
Lirca iS^6.
rill-; X.WK, IKiiM IIIE ^AM )1'-\KV.
To face p. ;';6.|
" Afterwards." 277
bestowed, the one half to the poor, the other half to help
out yearly an obit for him, his wife and friends for ever.
Another will, that of John Browne, dated 14th May, 1578,
gives the name of an early Mayor. " I give," he says,
" unto William Pratt, now Mayor, my best sword, unto
Nicholas Cowse my harqubus with flash and tuche box."
He also leaves 3J. /^. to the repairs of Romsey church,
showing that interest was still taken in their parish church
by the parishioners.
This slight study of the wills of old residents must
draw to an end, and may fittingly close with a full transcript
of the will of Sir Francis Flemyng, who figures so largely
in connection with the occupation of the Abbey property
after the Suppression. Sir Francis is described as a lieu-
tenant of ordnance in 1549. He was no doubt connected
with the Flemings of Newport, I.W., one of whom, John,
died in 1531, and another. Sir Thomas Fleming, who was
born at Newport in 1 544, became Lord Chief Justice, and
bought Baddesley from one of the Fosters, and afterwards
North Stoneham from the Earls of Southampton. Sir
Francis lived at Broadlands, and his immediate relations,
as described in his will, may be set out as follows : —
Anne = Walshe. Sir Francis =p Jane.
® 1558.
William
© 1606.
Jane. Michael. Mabel ^ ... Turkington.
® 1613-
Frances = Edward S. Barbe,
married of Ashington, Somst.,
1586. and Sheriff in 1589.
It will be seen that Sir Francis' granddaughter, Frances,
the heiress of the property, brought Broadlands to the
278 Records of Romsey Abbey.
family of S. Barbe, with which family it remained for some
time, but their history belongs to a later period.
Will of Sir Francis Flemynge.
August 24TH, 1558.
I, Francis Flemyng, of brode Landes, Rumsey, knt., being
syrke in bodye and perffytt of Remembrance and memorye,
Lawde and prayse be to almighty God, Do ordayne and make
this my last will and testament in manner and form following.
And all other wylles before Thys Tyme made I doe nowe make
ffrustrate and voyde.
Fyrsten, I yeld and offer up my sowle unto Almightye God my
onely maker and Redemer, and my bodye to be buried within
the Churche of S. Lawerence, Rumsey.
Item, I bequest unto my mother Church or S*. Swythin's in
Wynchester, 3/4. Item, I bequest unto the Hye Aulter of my
sayd parrysh Churche for Tythes forgotten, 5^-. Also I b : and
give to the Churche of Rumsey towards the hanginge of the bells
in the Tower, 20/-.
Item, I give and b. unto Dame Jane, my wyfe, in money,
;^iiS and my maner house of Brodelandes, Rumsey, with all the
hole stuff in it. And half my plate. Also I give to my seyd wife
the occupation of my lease of Staryeffrythe during her life and after
her death the same to remain to my heir being Lord of Brode-
landes, Rumsey. Item, more I give unto my said wife 12 Kyne
and a Bull, the whyche are goinge at Brodelands. Item, I give
to my said wife 3 of my geldinges. And also I gyve to my s'^.
wife all the woodes and underwoodes, that nowe be or hereafter
shall be growen within and upon my ferme of Rownams, to be
expended in and upon the maner house of brodelands, and not
ells wheare with lawful ingresse and regresse to and for the felling
and caryinge of ye same. And more, all my corne, provyded
that she shall deliver Wyllyam Fleming 10 quarters of wheate,
10 q*^ barley, 5 q*' ottes, thereof And all the same corne to
be delyvered one this side of mydsommer next coming after the
date before written. Further, I give and b. to my wife 13 fat
" Afterwards." 279
bullocks and 40 fat sheep, the wh. was ordained for the provision
of my house. Also I g. and b. to my wife half of the swyne and
puUarye that is at my Deyryt.
Also I g. and b. to my son, Mychaell Flemynge, ;£^ioo in
money and ;£^io rente by the yere of socage Lande in South-
ampton, to him and his heirs males of his bodye to be gotten.
Also I b. unto my daughter, Mabel Turkington, £,20. Item, I
will that my sister, Anne Walshe, shall holde and enjoy the house
with the Myllen and all and singular the grounds, wh. she the
said Anne now holdeth and occupyeth by lease from me, grant"*
during her natural life without pay* of any rent for the same.
Provided that if the s"* Anne Walshe shall happen at any time
durs her life to be expulsed, evicted, or put out of the s"* house,
Myllen, or gr"*', or any part or parcel of the same, that then I
will that my s"* Executor and his Heirs and Assigns shall pay
yearly unto ye s* Anne during all her life one Annuity or yearly
rente of jQd. \j,s. /yi. by the year. Also I b. to Edmond Bull and
his wife 40/- in money by the year. To be paid to the longest
liver of them by my son, Wylliam Flemyng and his heirs, executors
or Assigns. Item, I give unto my niece, Dorothy Bull, ;^io in
money, and to her sister, Jone, 5 marks in money towards their
maryages.
Item, to my cousyn Marg* Bonnam, ;^2o in money towards
her maryadge. Item, I give unto Eliz. Mate, my servaunte, the
reversion of the nexte copeyeholde that falleth in my landes or
of the Quenes landse. To be of her choice which of them she
will take. Item, unto Th. Somershall, my servant, a stere
bullock and a cowe bullock of 2 years of age. Item, Nic.
Rumeryll, my ser* [a ditto]. Item, to Marg* Dyrche a quarter
of wheat, to be del"* by the assigment of my wifF upon the day
of my burial. Item, to every man and woman ser* at the dejnrye
26/8 a piece in mony besyde their quarters wages. [Ditto] in the
house of Brodelands 40/-. Item, to Raffe Browne and John
Fygge 40/-. And all the residue of my goodes and cattells
both moveable and unmoveable not bequeathed, my legaces per-
formed and fulfilled and my debts paid, I give unto my sonne
28o Records of Romsey Abbey.
Will, fflemynge, whom I make my sole executor. And he for
to dyspose them for the wealthe of my soul as it shall please
Almigthy God for to put in his minde.
Item, I will my Executors to give 8 gold ringes of 20/- to be
distributed as follows :—
1. Sir William Keylewey, kt.
2. M-^ Ric. Gyfforde, Esq.
3. „ Geo. Mylle.
4. „ Th. Pare, esq.
5. „ Worsley.
6. Mystres Geo. Myll.
7. M"^ Th. Mylle.
8. Mystres Walloppe.
And for the due and trew execution of this my laste wyll and
Testament I do make and ordein Sir Will. Kelwey, kt., and Ric.
Gyfforde, Esq., to be my overseers, and they to have for their
pains each one of my best geldings. Etc., etc.
Witneses — William Kelwey, kt., Richard Gyfforde, W. Fleming,
George Kyrbye, H. Somershall, Ralff Browne, Nic. Rumeryll.
Probate — 9 Sep., 1558.
No one who studies old wills from about 1490 to 1600
can fail to be struck by the gulf that lies between the
earlier and later ones. The bequests to the guilds in the
earlier series mark the strong corporate life which centred
round the parish church ; these bequests cease in the later
wills, and whilst piety finds, at least in some cases, other
channels for alms deeds, like the poor men's box, or the
erection of almshouses, corporate life must have gradually
been transferred from the church to the town hall, and
have partaken of a civic character.
No churchmen can but regret the decay of church
brotherhoods, the recovery of which has been slow and
long delayed. It may be that in the Divine providence
this has issued and will issue in a more spiritual conception
"Afterwards." 281
of the ties which bind churchmen together, and that
through much tribulation they are entering into a fuller
participation in the Kingdom of God. The townsfolk of
Romsey, in any case, have continued, in spite of periods
of neglect, to show their care for the great building around
which church life has centred for so many centuries.
A large number of Romsey wills are preserved at
Somerset House, and a far larger number, belonging to the
Bishop's and Archdeacon's Courts, are to be found at the
Probate Registry at Winchester. A careful inspection of
these wills, of the parish registers, which begin as early
as 1569, of deeds in the town hall, and of the collections of
Dr. Latham, together with many classes of documents in
the Record Office, would form an excellent introduction
and starting point for a future volume on the history of
Romsey town during modern times. It is to be hoped
that some enthusiastic townsman may be found to under-
take what should prove if a laborious, yet a pleasant and
interesting task.
REFERENCES.
Archaeological Institute, Vol. for 1845.
Mr. Latham's Collections, B.M. Add. 26,774-26,780.
Letters and Papers Henry VIII.
B.M. Add. 34,137, Stipends of Priests, Winton Diocese.
B.M. Add. 12,483, Eccles. Visitation of Hants.
Winchester and Canterbury Wills.
Deed of Sale in Romsey Vestry.
Record Office, Church goods restored. No. 1392, 60.
Record Office, Miscellaneous Books of Augmentation Office, No. 446.
Record Office, Lay Subsidy Rolls, Nos. 173/183, 173/21S. and 174/307.
Chapter XVI.
THE ROMSEY PSALTER.
TN a glass case in the Ambulatory at the east end of
Romsey Abbey, an old illuminated manuscript Psalter
in Latin, may be seen. This book, described as "the
Romsey Psalter," was advertised in one of Mr. Quaritch's
catalogues in 1900. The Dean of Winchester, the late
Dr. Stephens, kindly called the attention of the Vicar of
Romsey to the fact of its being for sale ; and, very soon
after, the book was bought by subscription for the Abbey.
The writer of the following notes gladly contributes
them at Mr. Liveing's request, hoping that they may be of
interest not only to those whose special delight is in
ancient MSS., but to all who welcome anything connected
with Romsey Abbey and its history. Following the usual
plan, we will consider the general description of the book
as a MS., its special connection with Romsey and other
points of liturgical or antiquarian interest.
The Romsey Psalter is a small octavo MS. of 152 folios
or leaves, that is 304 pages, of vellum, each measuring
6^ inches by 4^ inches. With a few exceptions the usual
number of lines to a page is twenty-two. The writing is said,
by Mr. Quaritch, to be by an English hand of about 1440.
The style is clearly that of the fifteenth century, to which
period also apparently belong the old green cope, once used
as an altar cloth, and the painted reredos and panel in the
Abbey. Some guidance as to the date is afforded by the
286 Records of Romsey Abbey.
non-appearance, in the Kalendar, of the Visitation of the
Blessed Virgin Mary on 2nd July. This was the latest of
the B.V. M. Feasts added to Church Kalendars before the
Reformation, and (like the Feasts of the Holy Name and
the Transfiguration, also not in the Psalter) has its place in
our Prayer Book Kalendar. This feast, called by the old
Italians "the day of S. Mary of Grace," and by the
Germans the "home-seeking of Mary over the hill," was
instituted by Urban VI during the schism in the papacy,
about 1338. It was promulgated by Boniface IX in 1389,
and again established by the Council of Basle in 1441, by
which date it would be found in a good many kalendars,
but Mgr. Batiffol gives 1475 as the date of its first observ-
ance by the Curia at Rome. As regards England, Canon
Christopher Wordsworth in his work " The old Service
Books of the English Church," after mentioning Papal
sanction for the feast in 143 1, says that in 1480 the Con-
vocation of Canterbury petitioned the Archbishop to
prescribe its use, and that the same year an office for the
day was printed as a supplement to the Sarum Breviary :
and also a little later for the Transfiguration and the Holy
Name. It would seem therefore from the absence of the
Visitation, that the Psalter was written before 1441, and
certainly before 1481.
The capital letters are painted in red or blue, and are
mostly of two-line depth. There are eight illuminated
initial letters, seven of the depth of six lines and one of
nine lines, the last being shewn in the illustration. These
letters have floral borders or extensions down their left
sides, and, with two exceptions, at either the top or the
foot of the page as well. There are conventional flowers
in the centres of these letters. As Mr. G. W. Bradley,
in his little book on illuminated MSS., insists upon letter
ornamentation being influenced by that of architecture, it
The Romsey Psalter. 287
may be worth noting a certain similarity of design between
the flower of the letter D in the illustration and one on a
capital in the south choir aisle of the Abbey. There are no
miniatures or pages with illuminated pictures, and what
there is in the way of illuminated initials, though sufficiently
beautiful, is not considered by expert opinion at the British
Museum, to be of exactly first class workmanship.^ But
from one point of view this is not altogether a disadvantage,
for, had the book been of exceeding beauty, it would pro-
bably have gone either to a rich man's collection or to
some great library, instead of to Romsey Abbey, its most
fitting resting-place. Judging from the dirty condition of
the first and last leaves, especially the last, the book looks
as if at one time in its career it had lain without a binding,
which may have either become worn out, or been stripped
from it. Indeed, the book itself may have only narrowly
escaped the ignominious fate of many another old MS.,
such as being cut up to help bind printed books. The
present binding is described as "old calf gilt," and is
evidently of later date.
The make-up or " collation " of the book from the
binder's point of view is of twenty quires, namely, i^ 2-13*,
14*^ IS-I9^ 20®. Each quire has its "catchword" on a scroll
at the bottom of the last page. This was the first word
or words of the next quire, as was the custom with MSS.,
whereas in the case of modern printing the "signature,"
either letter or number, is at the foot of the first page of
each quire. It will be seen that three of the quires are not
strict 8vo., two having six, and one four leaves instead of
eight. The last quire is of six instead of eight, and, judging
from the modern pencilled signatures, this may account for
the statement in the catalogue that the book " wants a leaf
or two at the end," which does not appear to be supported
by the concluding contents of the book. The total number
1 So the Hon. Secretary of the Alcuin Club, Mr. F. C. Eeles, tells me.
288 Records of Romsey Abbey.
of leaves, 152, would have made nineteen quires of eight ;
their arrangement into twenty quires seems purposely made
that the Kalendar may have a quire to itself, and that the
first psalm of Mattins and of Vespers, on the first day of
the week, may each begin a fresh quire. There is a hole
through the last leaf, and in the fourth from the end and
other places, but the writing is not defective, which shews
that the holes were there when the book was written.
The scribe has, it seems, made a few mistakes, e.g. (20th
June), Edmund for Edward. The abbreviations of words
are of the usual kind. The obliterations, ordered by Henry
VIII, of the name of S. Thomas of Canterbury and of the
Pope's title "pape," have been made, but the words can still
be read in places. Someone at a later date has numbered
the Psalms in the margin according to the Hebrew and
later English numbering, but the division of the book itself
is according to the Septuagint, Vulgate, and old English
arrangement. There are one or two old annotations in
ordinary writing at the end, e.g., " Iste est liber psalmorum,"
" libri hujus finis," etc. ; also something that, curiously,
looks not unlike a portcullis, the arms of Romsey Town,
or even possibly a gridiron, the emblem of S. Laurence,
the patron of the parish Church portion of the Abbey,
though either of these suggestions may be fanciful.
The Psalter appears to have originally belonged to
Romsey because the name of S. Ethelfleda, who was
Patron Saint of the Abbey in conjunction with the Blessed
Virgin Mary, occurs no less than three times in the
Kalendar, namely, a red letter day, 23rd October, " Sancte
Ethelflede virginis " ; and two black letter days, 27th Jan-
uary, "Translacio S. Ethelflede," and loth March, "Revelacio
S. Ethelflede." Like nearly everything else connected with
Romsey, either in architecture or history, the Psalter has
its problems. The Ethelfleda question is one of them.
The Romsey Psalter. 289
There were two ladies of this name in early days at
Romsey, and there has been confusion between them. As
this matter is discussed elsewhere in this book, it will only
be necessary to deal with it so far as the Psalter is con-
cerned. The Psalter points to the later Ethelfleda as being
the Patron Saint. In the first place this is shown by its
agreeing with the fourteenth century MS. Legenda or
Lives of Saints, formerly belonging to Romsey, but now
in the British Museum.
The Legenda, which gives the life of the second
Ethelfleda, daughter of Ethelwold, a noble of King Edgar,
as Patron Saint, puts her death on " the tenth day before
the Kalends of November," that is 23rd October. So does
the Psalter. The Legenda says she was " translated " : the
Psalter gives the day of her Translation, 27th January.
Perhaps the " Revelacio " of S. Ethelfleda, on loth March
in the Psalter, has something to do with one of the
miraculous manifestations recorded in her life, such as
the story of the light shining from her fingers when her
candle failed her at the lectern. Or it may refer to the
appearance of the saint after death: or again to some
miracle connected with her relics. The word seems to
suggest some event which would disclose her claim to
veneration as a saint, or some vision or revelation which
she received.
In the next place, it is to be noted that among the
later Obits added to the Kalendar in the sixteenth century,
we have on 6th March, " Elfleda, sister of S. Edburga."
Now this Elfleda 1 was a daughter of King Edward the
Elder and was, with her father's help, the Foundress of
Romsey Abbey, and so, clearly, is a different person from
the one who already had three days in the original
Kalendar. Thus the Psalter adds further testimony to
the fact that at Romsey, as at Nunnaminster (S. Mary's
I See Chapter II and Appendix A.
290 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Abbey), Winchester, the Foundress and the Patron Saint
were different people. In the case of Nunnaminster,
Queen Alswitha, wife of Alfred, was the Foundress, and
S. Edburga, her grand-daughter, the Patron Saint.
There is a further question as to the identity of the
S. Ethelfleda of the Kalendar. The Romsey Kalendar, on
23rd October, describes her as virgin, as the Romsey Ethel-
fleda would be ; but there exist other kalendars claiming
this day for an Ethelfleda, widow, not to mention one which
assigns it to an Elfleda, queen. The matter is discussed
at length in the Acta Sanctorum, and the Bollandists
appear satisfied that^ 23rd October belongs to the widow of
Glastonbury, and 29th October to the Romsey Saint.
Capgrave, an Augustinian Friar of the fifteenth century, in
his Nova Legenda Anglice, gives 29th October as the day of
her death^; but the reason is not clear, and in face of the
local evidence of the Romsey Legenda, supported by the
Psalter, it seems hardly satisfactory to say that 23rd Octo-
ber was no longer the day of the Romsey Saint. Besides, it
is unnecessary, for it is not at all an unknown thing for two
saints of the same name to be commemorated in different
kalendars on the same day, e.g., two Saints Valentine, one
a bishop, the other a priest, on 14th February.
The foregoing points have to be considered because
they affect the "provenance" of the MS., that is the place
for which it was written. The Psalter, from its character,
appears to have been the private property of someone
connected with the Abbey, rather than a strictly liturgical
or choir book, though it might be described perhaps as
quasi-liturgical. Psalters, as well as Prymers, were often
used as private devotional manuals ; the owners of the
former had, of course, to know Latin, and were frequently,
though not always, ecclesiastics. The Prymers in English
usually belonged to the laity, but a great many Prymers
1 Except in the earlier Kalendars. ^ As John of Tynemouth, previously.
The Romsey Psalter. 291
were in Latin. Both books may be considered, in a sense,
as Church service books used in private, or vice versa, as
private books usable in church. For, while the Psalter is
the backbone of the Breviary or Canonical Hours, the
Prymer chiefly consists of the Little Office or Hours of
the Blessed Virgin, which were said as an addition to the
Canonical or Divine Office.
The Kalendar too is of the kind found in private non-
liturgical Psalters and Prymers. These often had many
more saints than the liturgical books, which only needed in
their kalendars names of saints for whom they had offices
or commemorations. Private kalendars, having no limit of
this kind, seem, as regards the number of saints in them,
intermediate between the strictly liturgical kalendars and
the full lists of the martyrologies. A comparison between
the Psalter and the Prayer Book Kalendar would be
enough to shew this. But the non-liturgical character of
the Romsey Kalendar is best seen by a comparison with a
Sarum or Roman liturgical kalendar, either in the Missal
or the Breviary. It is also shown by the fact that though
there is a kalendar, the Psalter itself is only for a strictly
ferial week and contains no saints' day services whatsoever.
Mr. Edmund Bishop kindly suggests that the Romsey
Kalendar has for its basis some Winchester book, and that
to this the scribe made "fancy" additions. Then again
the Psalms are not arranged according to the Benedictine
"Regular" monastic distribution, as one would naturally ex-
pect, in a Benedictine house, but according to the "Secular"
Gregorian method. The book, however, is not according
to Sarum use, but distinctly Roman, as shown by antiphons
and capitula and the Litany, which is the Roman one, and
practically what is commonly called now the " Litany of the
Saints." All this is against its being a book for choir use
in a Benedictine abbey, and in favour of private ownership
292 Records of Romsey Abbey.
by someone in the Convent, either abbess, nun, lay sister,
or even a lady visitor making a long stay under the care of
the Convent. There is a small Psalter in the British
Museum of a somewhat different character, which was the
property of a nun at Wherwell, the third of the Hampshire
Benedictine nunneries, and shews that nuns had books of
this kind.
It is possible that the Romsey Psalter may have had
something to do with the Infirmary Chapel, which, Mr.
Liveing finds, was dedicated in the name of S. Andrew,
for the Kalendar has on 13th May, "Dedicacio oratorii
S. Andree apli." Mr. Bishop considers this point addi-
tional strong proof of the Psalter being a Romsey book.
As regards the Roman secular character of the Psalter,
it may be noted that the nuns often had friars for
confessors. Many of these, especially the Franciscans,
used the Roman secular Breviary, not the Monastic. As
friars, according to Wordsworth and Littlehales, often at
this time wrote, painted and illuminated books such as the
Psalter, it may have been brought or written by a friar.
There had been a Friar John Burgess as confessor at the
end of the previous century ; there was a Carmelite in
1448 ; and a Franciscan from Southampton sometime
between that date and i486, during Bishop Waynflete's
episcopate. Mr. Liveing has seen in that Bishop's register
a license, to hear the confessions of the nuns, to John
Green and William Kydford of the Minor Brothers of
Southampton.
There are two points with regard to the Litany, which
certainly suggest a Franciscan scribe. The first is that, in
the order of the invocation of the monastic saints, instead
of SS. Antony, Benedict, Bernard, Dominic, Francis, which
is the usual arrangement, it has SS. Benedict, Francis,
Antony, Dominic, omitting S. Bernard. This order clearly
The Romsey Psalter. 293
supports the theory of the book being written by a
Franciscan for private use by some one in a Benedictine
house. Mr. Bishop says this S. Anthony may be the
Franciscan Saint of Padua, not the earlier saint of that
name generally intended. The second point is that, further
on, S. Clara, the sister of S. Francis, is invoked instead of
S. Anastasia. Thus the Franciscan influence seems clear.
The feast of S. Francis (4th October) is entered in red in
the Kalendar: S. Benedict (21st March and nth July,
translation) in black. Whether the work of writing,
painting, and illuminating, was done by three or more
people as was the custom in a monastic scriptorium, though
sometimes even then by one, or whether it was all done
by a professional scribe, is perhaps uncertain, but it is fairly
safe to say that at that date it was not the work of a
nun, except possibly the later annotations. It is interesting
to note that the Psalter was written not so very long before
printing came into use.
The Kalendar being of the kind indicated it is very
difficult to give conclusive reasons for this or that variation,
e.g., why should the day of S. Ethelwold's "deposition,"
1st August, receive no notice, when his translation, loth
September, is included ? Or why, in a Kalendar of this
kind, did they omit another Romsey saint, Merwinna ?
A consideration of the days and saints wherein the
Kalendar differs from the average English kalendars of
that day seems to point out certain general tendencies
belonging to this Kalendar. One is to keep what is old, in
the way of commemorations such as the Conception of S.
John Baptist, on 24th September, or in an expression such
as the "Oblation" instead of the more usual "Presentation"
of the B.V.M. on 24th November. Another is to include
what is new, such as the Feast of S. Antony of Padua, or
the Translation of S. Nicholas. Another is to put in
294 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Winchester saints, like S. Judoc, which Mr. Bishop's theory,
already stated, accounts for; and saints of Southern France,
like SS. Lazarus, Martha, and Victor of Marseilles. On the
whole, perhaps one may fairly attribute the old and the
Winchester items to the influence of the Benedictine owner
of the book, or to some old English kalendar used as a
model, and the new and Continental to the Franciscan
scribe.
The Obits or death days, added to the Kalendar early
in the sixteenth century, are mostly those of Abbesses of
Nunnaminster, from the end of the eleventh to the begin-
ning of the fifteenth century with hardly a break, as may be
seen by a comparison with the lists either in Mr. W. de Gray
Birch's Book of Nunnaminster, or in the Victoria County
History of Hampshire. In regard to these Obits, the
natural theory is that the Psalter passed from Romsey to
this other Benedictine house at Winchester, with which
there had always been close intercourse. There are besides,
Obits of many members of the family of S. Edburga :
e.g., King Alfred and Queen Elswitha, her grandfather and
girandmother ; King Edward the Elder and Queen Edgiva,
her father and mother ; and her brothers, Kings Edmund
and Eadred. One or two of the Abbesses do not appear
in either of the above lists, and there are one or two
names difficult to interpret. For instance, Berengarius and
Albreda [?] on 27th June, both apparently "religious,"
might conceivably be the names of the scribe and the
original owner of the book. It may be interesting to note
that Prymers and private Psalters were used in those days
for recording events, much after the fashion of the later
family Bible.
There are rubies for finding Easter and other days.
Each month of the Kalendar names the signs of the
zodiac, and is headed by a line of poetry giving the two
The Romsev Psalter. 295
" Egyptian " or unlucky days for bloodletting, or doing any
particular business. Thus for January, " Prima dies mensis
et septima truncat ut ensis," the first and seventh so
unlucky that they " cut off like a sword." One is counted
forward from the beginning of the month, e.g., ist January,
the other backward from the end, e.g., 25 th January ; and
their position is shewn by a red d. opposite the days. The
lines appear in one of the works of the Venerable Bede and
occur in many kalendars, e.g., in the Wherwell Psalter just
mentioned. That has also a feature not in this, namely,
lines at the foot of the page referring to the occupations,
agricultural, etc., of the month.
In the Psalter itself, with the exception of Sunday
Prime, no title is given for the lesser hours, Prime, Terce,
Sext, Nones, and Compline. The whole of the Psalms^
are put in numerical order, and the Hours marked are
Mattins, with first words of Psalms, etc., for Lauds, and
then Vespers, the hymns for these Hours being given
along with antiphons, versicles, capitula (little chapters),
etc., in some places more fully than in others. The
tendency to compress the seven or eight Hours of the
Breviary into a morning and an evening service is here
seen, and shews the Mattins and Evensong of the Prayer
Book to be only the further development of a system
already beginning. The illuminated initials divide the
Psalms among the days of the week, whereas now in the
Prayer Book Psalter they are spread out over a month.
So the first Psalm of Mattins each day has an illuminated
initial, and there is one, extra large, at the head of all the
Vesper Psalms, for Sunday, as seen in the illustration.
After the Psalms come the Canticles of both Old and New
Testaments, with the Te Deum, Quicunque Vult, and
Litany.
On what was originally a blank leaf between the
1 See plan, p. 301.
296 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Mattin and Vesper Psalms there is a special prayer, added
later, not in ordinary psalters. A face can be seen in the
small initial capital. Mr. Bishop says this prayer is a
late mediaeval composition, and suggests that the figures,
following its Amen, are 1469, the probable date of its
inclusion in the Psalter. There follows a beautiful hymn,
"Cultor dei memento," which used to be in the Breviary
for Compline from Passion Sunday to Maundy Thursday,
but is not in Modern Roman Breviaries. A translation of
it can be seen in the new edition of A. & M., number 108.
This also was added later, and the spaces are still left for
capitals which, as can be seen on the left page of the
illustration, have never been painted in. Translations of
the twenty-three Hymns of Mattins, Lauds, and Vespers
for the week, as well as the extra hymn, may be seen in
the Office Hymn Book. " Lucis Creator " is in A. & M.,
new edition 15 ; "Splendor Paternae gloriae," A. & M. 2,
both editions ; and " O Lux beata Trinitas," A. & M., 36
new edition. Further special additional matter follows at
the end of the book after the Litany : a metrical prayer,
with Litany endings, for " divers kinds of tribulation."
Mr. Bishop says this prayer is seventh century in style and
is like those to be found in the Book of Cerne, or the
Newminster Books ; also that the expression " sanctos et
electos" is after the manner of old Irish liturgical books,
and "parce omnibus peccatis," Spanish. Then there is a
short prayer against hurtful forces, whether of fire or
storm ; then a prayer against tempests, which is still found
among the Orationes Diversae at the end of the Modern
Roman Missal. This prayer and the preceding one are
both in the Rituale Romanum under the heading "De
Processionibus, Preces ad repellendam tempestatem."
Last of all there is an invocation to the Blessed Virgin
Mary bidding her to rejoice as Mother of our Lord Jesus
The Romsey Psalter. 297
Christ, Queen of Heaven, Mistress of the World, and
Empress of Hell (lower regions), and to have mercy on the
writer and on all Christian people. The Latin is, " Gaude
Maria virgo, mater domini nostri Jesu Christi, regina celi,
domina mundi, imperatrix inferni, miserere mei et totius
populi Christiani." The titles of our Lady, as queen of
heaven and mistress of the world are frequently met with
in Modern Roman books, but the other, " empress of hell "
(purgatory), seems to have disappeared. Maskell, in
Monumenta Ritualia, quotes a Primer of C. 1410 containing
the expression. Hampson, in Medii Aevi Kalendarium,
quotes a sermon of Mirk in which it occurs ; and Waterton,
in Pietas Mariana Britannica, shows it in a will of 1492,
and an Anglo-Saxon poem of the tenth century ; and also
points out that in the rare instances where the Virgin is
depicted with a triple crown, the same idea is included of
her being Queen of the Church, not only Triumphant in
Heaven and Militant in Earth, but also of the Church
Suffering in Purgatory.
The only indication of the travels of the book between
Nunnaminster and Quaritch's, is the name of T. H. Lloyd
on the fly leaf in modern writing.
298 Records of Romsey Abbey.
ROMSEY KALENDAR.
SELECTED ITEMS.
("Not in" means not in Romsey Kalendar.)
Jan. 14. — S. Felix " in pincis " (in Brev. Rom. place of Saint's burial, 260).
„ 17. — [S. Antony, not in.] S. Sulpicius (Archbishop of Bourges, 647).
„ 27.— Translation of S. Ethelfleda. \ Apparently these feasts not in
Mar. 10. — Revelation of S. Ethelfleda. J any other Kalendar.
„ 15. — S. Longinus " qui latus domini perforavit." (cf. Kalendars in
Hampson).
„ 19. — Translation of S. Mary Magdalen. (Feast seldom found : evi-
dently French).
„ 27. — " Resurreccio domini " (Annotine Easter, cf. Diet. Christian
Antiq.).
April 2. — Deposition of S. Mary of Egypt. "| Old feasts which at date of Psalter
^ had mostly disappeared from
3-)/
„ 13.— S. Eufemia, V.M. (Calcedon, 303.)/ " liturgical " Kalendars.
May 9. — Translation of S. Nicholas. (Called a " new feast " at Sarum
in 1452.)
„ 13. — Dedication of the oratory of S. Andrew the Apostle.
„ 16. — Brandan, Ab. (S78. Irish. Popular legends. Feast in a few
old Kalendars.)
„ 24. — S. " Dnici conf." (Day of S. Dominic's translation.)
June 13. — S. Antony "conf. de ordie mior." (Franciscan, of Padua, 1231.)
„ 20. — Edmund (for Edward).
July 2. — [Visitation B.V.M., not in.J
„ 4. — Translation and ordination of S. Martin. (B. of Tours, 397 ;
body translated, 473.)
„ 21. — (Besides S. Praxedis) S. Victor (of Marseilles, 303).
Aug. I.' — [S. Ethelwold's deposition not mentioned here.]
„ S. — Edward (for Oswald).
,, 6 and 7. — [Tranfiguration and Holy Name, not in.]
„ 13. — (Besides S. Hippoljrtus) S. Radegund (of Poitiers, 587).
„ 16. — S. Arnulph. (B. of Metz, 640). "l , ,
„ 20.-S. Philibert. (Ab. of Jumi^ges, 684.) i Kal^dars
Sept. 10. — Translation of S. Athelwold. (B. of Winchester, j ^f Hampson.
„ 24. — Conception of S. John Baptist. [984.)-'
Oct. 8.— (Besides S. Pelagia) S. Demetrius and S. Symon. (cf. Diet.
Chr. Antiq.)
„ II. — (Besides S. Nicasius) S. Ethelburga (of Barking, 664).
The Romsey Psalter. 299
Oct. 23.— S. Ethelfleda, virgin. ) c u
„ 26.-S. Amandus, B. (Flanders, 675). / "^"P^""'
Nov. 17.— S. Anianus (B. of Orleans, 453). [S. Hugh, noi in].
„ 21. — Oblacio see Marie vgis. (Use of older term instead of
" Presentatio.")
Dec. 4. — (Besides S. Barbara) translation Bnd (Benedict)."! c n- ^ c
10. — Victorious, Fuscianus and Gentianus, M.M. (of \ ^hr Antia
Amiens). J ' "'
„ 13.— (Besides S. Lucy) S. Judoc. (Of Ponthieu, 669; relics trans-
lated to Winchester, 903.)
„ 17. — S. Ignatius. S. Lazarus and S. Martha. (Specially honoured
at Marseilles.)
OBITS.
B signifies that the names of Abbesses are in Mr. de Gray Birch's list in Book
of Nunnaminster.
V signifies that the names of Abbesses are in the Victoria County History
of Hampshire.
Jan. (?) 14. — Abba Cristina dna (? Christine de Winton, V. 1287-99).
„ 15. — dna Adela, abba (?)
Feb. g. — dna Alicia de la Mare, 1365-83 or 5 (B and V).
„ (?) 20.— Isabella, abba (?)
Mar. 6. — -Elfleda soror Edbge vg. (Elfleda, Foundress of Romsey, half-
sister of S. Edburga, Patron of Nunnaminster).
„ 9. — Commemoracio familiarura et benefactorum nostrorum.
April 5. — dna Matilda Holme, ab. 1410-14 (B and V).
,, 6. — dna Johanna Demede, ab. 1384 or 5-1407 or lo (B and V).
,, 7. — dna Cristina Hardi, ab. 1414-17 or 18 (B and V).
May 16. — Clarissa, abba 1174 (B and V).
„ 17. — Alia, abba (? Alicia, 1084, B and V).
„ 18. — d. Matilda de Spine abba, 1337 or 8-49 (B and V).
,, 23. — Edmundus f rat' Edbg vgs (brother of S. Edburga, King, 940-946.
June 19. — Ema, ab. (?)
„ 27. — Berengarius (mo) Albreda (mo de tony) (?)
July 6. — Lucia, abba 1270-87 (B and V)).
„ 17. — Edwardus rex pater see Edbge. (King Edward the Elder,
father of S. Edburga, 901-925).
„ 19. — dna Cristina Wayte, abba 1364-5 (B and V).
Aug. 23. — Edgiva mat' see EdB vg. (Queen, second wife of Edward the
Elder, mother of S. Edburga).
,, 30. — Agnes, abba 1236-65 (B and V). (This agrees with day of
death given by B.)
300 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Oct. 14. — dna Margarita Moleyns, abba 1349-64 (B and V).
„ 27. — Alvredus rex avus see Edbge. (King Alfred, 871-901, grand-
father of S. Edburga. His death day usually given as
28th, sometimes 26th.)
Nov. 4. — Matilda Pecham, abba 1313-37 (B and V).
„ 19. — dna Eufemia, abba 1265-70 (B and V). (B gives her death
the next day.)
„ 23. — Eldredus rex fr. see Edbge vg. (King Eadred, 946-955,
brother of S. Edburga.)
Dec. 5. — Ealiswide regina ava see Edbge fundatrix hujus. (Queen
Elswitha wife of Alfred, grandmother of S. Edburga
and Foundress of Nunnaminster).
„ 14. — dna Matilda abba (B 1276-1282 or later).
N.B. — Mr. de Gray Birch says " the precise dates of Edburga's birth
and death are not recorded." Several Kalendars assign 15th June as the
day of her " Deposition," but no day is given to her in the Romsey Kalendar
or Obits. The Edburga, whose translation is commemorated in some
Kalendars on i8th July, appears more probably to have been Abbess of
Minster, in the Isle of Thanet, in the eighth century.
The Romsey Psalter.
301
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302 Records of Romsey Abbey.
REFERENCES.
Romsey Legenda, Lansdowne MS. 436.
Wherwell Psalter, Brit. Mus. MS. 27,866.
Harl. MSS. 7398 A and B and 2899.
Kalendar Notes by Mr. Edmund Bishop. Add. MS. 36,598 to 36,602.
Comparative Kalendars, by Rev. H. M. Bannister (private MS.).
Nova Legenda Anglie. (Horstman, igoi.)
Bodleian MS. Auct. D. 2, 6, and MS. Rawl. liturg. c. 1.
Liber de Hyda and Memorials o£ Dunstan (Rolls' Series).
Liber Vitae of Hyde Abbey and Book of Nunnaminster (Hants Record
Society).
Hampshire, Victoria County History, Vol. 2.
Smith, Dictionaries of Christian Antiquities and Biography.
Hampson, Medii Aevi Kalendarium (1841).
Kalendars in Parker Soc. Reprints and Burton's Three Primers of
Henry VIIL
The Martiloge (Henry Bradshaw Soc).
Bolland, Acta Sanctorum (23rd and 29th October).
Lives of Saints, by Alban Butler, Baring-Gould.
Owen, Sanctorale Catholicum (1880).
Challoner, Memorial of Ancient British Piety (1761).
Blunt, Annotated Book of Common Prayer (1895).
Swete, Services and Service Books before the Reformation (1896).
Wordsworth and Littlehales, The Old Service Books of the English
Church (The Antiquary's Books, 1904).
Gasquet, Monastic Life (ditto).
Warren, Leofric Missal (1883).
Wheatley, Procter and Frere, PuUan — on Book of Common Prayer.
Procter and Wordsworth, Seager — on Sarum Breviary.
Hymnarium Sarisburiense, Pars Prima (Darling and Deighton, 1851).
Neale, Notes on the Divine Office (1877).
BatifEol, History of the Roman Breviary (trans. Baylay, i8g8).
Wickham Legg, Reformed Breviary of Card. Tommasi (Church Hist.
Soc, 1904).
Roman Breviary, Missal and Ritual, Paris and Franciscan Breviaries.
Addis and Arnold, Catholic Dictionary (6th edition, 1903).
Maskell, Monumenta Ritualia (2nd edition, 1882).
Waterton, Pietas Mariana Britannica (1879).
Bradley, Illuminated Manuscripts (Methuen, 1905).
Birch and Jenner, Early Drawings and Illuminations (1879).
Shaw, Art of Illuminating, also Digby Wyatt.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE FAMILY "DE ROMESEY."
"From whom issued divers Knights of
great note and respect, both here and in
Hampshire."
Gerard's Notes on Somerset.
Chapter XVII.
THE FAMILY "DE ROMESEY."
A STAINED glass window has lately been inserted in
-^~*- the north transept, to the memory of Almaric
Rumsey, Barrister-at-Law, and Professor of Indian Juris-
prudence, King's College, London. Two shields, in glass
mosaics, fill the tympanum above the tracery, and quartered
on these may be seen the coat of arms of the ancient family
of this name : — " Argent a fesse gules with a label of five
points azure." In the middle ages, the label was of three
points.
The present family claims a connection with the de
Romeseys of old days, who for many years lived in
Hampshire and Somerset, and were at one time closely
connected with the Abbey. Gerard in his Notes on
Somerset, says of Ocle or Oakley in that county : —
"This was the possession and dwelling of John Bissett,
descended by a collateral line from that great Manassas Bissett,
a Baron and Sewer to King Henry II. This John Bissett, by
Katharine his wife, daughter and coheir of Edmund Bassett, of
Salford, near Bristol, had two daughters, his heirs, one whereof,
namely Katharine, brought this Ocle unto her husband. Sir
Walter de Romesey, who lived in K. John's time and held divers
lands in these parts of the ancient barons of Kilpecke, in
Herefordshire. This Walter was father of John, who was father
of another Sir Walter, from whom issued divers Knights of great
note and respect, both here and in Hampshire, for I do verily
persuade myself that they took their simame from Romsey, a
town well known in that comity."
3o6 Records of Romsey Abbey.
A Sir Walter held land in Rokeburne, near Fording-
bridge, as early as i8th September, 1199. He is spoken of
in the Red Book of the Exchequer as holding lands, both
in Dorset and Somerset, in 1212 — 1217, and is found as an
itinerant Justice and Keeper of Forests in 1218. In the
next year he appears as attorney on behalf of Abbess
Maud Patric, or her successor, in the King's Court at
Winchester, about a piece of land at Lecford. He was
SheriiT of Hants and Wilts and Coroner in 1228-9, ^"d
either he or his son is distinctly spoken of as Steward of
the Abbey in 1231. On the loth June, 1224, he receives a
royal order to deliver to the Prior of Ivychurch the nuts
collected in Pancet Forest and deposited with him by
the verderer and foresters, and on the 14th July, in the
same year, he has orders to deliver to Richard Poore,
Bishop of Salisbury, forty cartloads of fuel, of dry wood
and brushwood in Clarendon Forest, of the King's gift.
This Walter is no doubt the one referred to by Gerard, but
it may be a question whether this writer has not confused
him with another, whose wife Katharine held the property
in Saltford jointly with her husband. Sir Walter Romesighe,
in 1 3 16.1
In the latter part of the thirteenth century a number of
de Romeseys are mentioned — John and Walter, the sons
of Richard, obtain possession of a messuage in the town,
23rd February, 1256. Walter holds lands of the Abbey in
Wilts in 1275, and in 1278, John de Romesey grants a
messuage to Nicholas de Romesey in Romesey. The same
John obtains a quit claim from John and Clemence Loke
of a messuage there in 1281 ; this transaction seems to
have been repeated in 1286.
A John, perhaps the same, is recommended by Bishop
John de Pontoise for preferment in 1292, and is found to be
' See below p. 307, and pedigree.
The Family "De Romesey." 307
Prebendary and Canon of Edington, in the Abbey in 1294,
when he gives land to the Abbey in Terstwode ; he is
succeeded by John de London in 1 302, and may therefore
have died before that date. Nicholas probably survived
him, for one of this name was an itinerant justice ; and in
1 3 16 an order is sent to the Abbess to examine the Rolls
of this Nicholas, late Justice, which are said to be in her
treasury, and all other muniments touching certain matters,
and to send them under seal to Westminster.
The pedigree of the main branch of the family becomes
clear with Sir Walter de Romesighe, who held Oakeley,
Modiford Terry, and Comwych, in Somerset, before 1 286.
In 1 3 16-17 Katharine is mentioned as his wife, but she
seems to have been his second wife, inasmuch as a property
in Saltford, near Bristol, was granted to Walter and
Katharine and their heirs, and failing their heirs then to
Walter's son John and his wife and their heirs. John
therefore had a mother who cannot be identified with
Katharine.
This Walter was accused of causing the death of
Thomas atte Mounte in 13 19. He died before October,
1333, possessed of a moiety of Firnham in Hampshire,
near Fordingbridge. The property consisted of land and
houses, and a careful description is given of this land, with
its value and sowings. With it went " six acres of great
wood and common on which is no underwood or pasture,
on account of the shade of the trees." Besides this there
was a moiety of Wynesford Manor, Somerset, and the
Manor of Ocle which he held in socage of Richard de la
Bere, and a third part of Modeford Terry. There were
services at the court of Haselbere every third week. These
manors Walter held jointly with his wife Katharine, and
her dower is mentioned when she had become a widow
in 1334.
3o8 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Long before Sir Walter's death his son John with his
wife Margaret are spoken of, as early indeed as 13 16-17,
and it may therefore be supposed that he was born in the
previous century. He was thirty years old and more at his
father's death, but he died directly after this event, and in
1334 his son becomes heir to Walter the grandfather's
property. The chief interest attaching to John is centred in
his wife, who was a person of no little importance. This
Margaret was daughter of John Byset by Katharine Bassett,
and she brought the Manor of Rokeburne near Fording-
bridge to the family of Romesey. A dispute came into
Court in later times (1419) respecting the right of
presentation to the church of Wynfrith in Somerset, and
the evidence brought before the judge gives incidentally an
account of Margaret's relatives. It appears that her uncle
John Bassett held the right of presentation to this church
alternately with a family of the name of "de Bayons."
John Bassett died childless, and so did his brother Edmund,
and the family property came to their sisters Katharine,
Isabel, and Margaret. Margaret granted her portion in
Wynfrith to Katharine, which descended to Margaret the
younger, Katharine's daughter. On the next vacancy of the
living Margaret the younger, or as she may now be called
Margaret de Romesey, could not agree with her aunt
Isabel in presenting the same person, and presented her
own nominee.
After her husband's death Margaret de Romesey married
Robert Martin of Yeovil. The couple are mentioned in
1336-7, in 1343, and in 1346, when Robert holds in Roke-
borne a ninth part of a knight's fee, which was John de
Bysete's, which holding was therefore in right of his wife.
In 1353 Robert Martin, donsel, and Margaret Romesi his
wife, are spoken of as belonging to the diocese of Bath and
Wells, and receive a confirmation of a plenary remission,
The Family "De Romesey." 309
once granted them by Pope Clement VII, but which was
then lost. Margaret died i6th September, 1373, possessed
of the Manor of Rokebourne, worth ;^20 yearly. The heir
of Sir John de Romesey and Margaret Bisset was Walter.
At the time of his father's death in 1334 he was under age ;
by 1345-6 he is recognized as of full age, and is ordered
on 9th April, 1346, to have seizin of the property belonging
to him. He married as his first wife Johanna Martyn, the
widow of Emery Northlode. Her name suggests a con-
nection with her husband's step-father, Robert Martyn.
By her Sir Walter had one son, John, who was killed
beyond the seas, and two daughters, Margaret and Isabel,
who both married. Johanna was still alive in 1350, and
very possibly survived for some years. On her death Sir
Walter married again, and this time he took Alice,
daughter of William Fillol. By her he had two sons and
two daughters, Thomas, his heir (who is said by some
deeds to have been Johanna's son), Oliver, who died with-
out issue, Marion, whose descendants will be described
presently, and Margaret, who was a nun and perhaps abbess
at Wilton, near Salisbury. When his mother Margaret
died, i6th September, 1373, Sir Walter did homage for her
property, and was then forty years and more. It was
probably " more " by several years, and he must have been
quite an old man when he died, 3rd January, 1404. His
wife Alice survived him but a few months, and passed away
the next year. From the inquiry made at their deaths the
family owned considerable estates in Hampshire, viz.,
Rokeburne, Romsey, Dene, La Hyde, and Mershwode or
Marchwood, with others in Wilts, Dorset, and Somerset,
as Coombe Byset, Otterhampton, Comwich, Pipulpenne,
Modeford Terry, Ocle, and North Ferret, where there is
still land called Rumsey's.
Sir Walter's eldest son, Thomas, died before his father
3IO Records of Romsey Abbey.
in 1399, and therefore the heir to Sir Walter was his
grandson, another Thomas, who with his brother, Walter,
was born of Alianora, the sister of Lawrence Drewe.
Thomas, junior, now Sir Thomas, came of age 1411-12;
he married one Johanna, by whom he had one daughter,
his heiress. In 141 5 he went abroad in the retinue of Sir
John Arundell, and died isth October, 1420. His wife
survived him for twenty years, dying on nth August,
1440 ; their daughter Joan was then about twenty-two
years old, she had come of age in 1434-35, ^t which date
she was a married woman. This lady not only inherited
from her father, but also from her uncle and his son, both
named Walter, the latter having died under age on the
last of February, 1430. These two Walters, father and
son, seem to have enjoyed the family's property, which
lay in Somerset, Orchardlegh, Ocle, and Modeford Terry.
Joan, the heiress, was married to one Thomas Payne,
she was still alive in 1443-44, but may possibly have
died before her husband, whose death is mentioned as
taking place 31st December, 1447. With Joan ended
the direct line of this branch of the family.
Before leaving these people it may be worth while
describing a curious law suit, which gives a vivid picture
of law proceedings in past times and introduces some
old world figures. The deeds are given here in full, and
are worth transcribing, if only for the account they give
of the old servants and the description of the white-haired
Thomas Romsey.
Early Chancery Proceedings.
No. 31.
Petition of Richard Hatfeld, gentleman, Thomas Swete and
Jane his wife that, whereas variances have been depending
between them and Roger Wyke and Jane his wife concerning
The Family "De Romesey." 311
the title to the Manor of Rokeboum and to other lands late of
Jane who was wife of Thomas Payne, which variances have been
compromised, and, considering that Roger and Jane entered into
the premises after the death of the said Jane Payn and took all
evidences of the title and descent of the petitioners, the
Chancellor grant a writ of dedimus poiestatem, that John Popham,
knight, and Henry Champneys of Frome, gentleman, who have
very knowledge of the title to the premises, and also any other
persons having any knowledge, may be examined on oath, and
their examinations, so taken, returned to Chancery.
No. 32.
Writ of the King, commanding the examination of the said
John Popham, knight, and Henry Champneys of Frome, gentle-
man, and any others, upon the said petition. Dated 21st March,
2 Edward iiij [1462].
No. 33.
By virtue of this writ, on Tuesday next after the close of
Easter next after the date of the writ, at Shaftesbury, co. Dorset,
John Smyth of Domerham, co. Wilts, aged 100 years ; Agnes
Maundevile of Lymyington, co. Somerset, aged 90 years; and
Nicholas Chalk of Rokebourne, co. Southt, aged 60 years, were
examined on oath. [27 April, 1462.J
John Smyth says that Walter Rumsey, knight, was seised of
the Manor of Rokebume, and married Joan, by whom he had
issue — John, Thomas, and Margaret. After Joan's death, Walter
married Alice, by whom he had a son — Oliver — and a daughter
whose name deponent does not remember. Oliver died without
issue. The said Thomas, son of Walter, married Eleanor, sister
of Lawrence Drewe, by whom he had two sons — Thomas and
Walter. Thomas was knighted and had a daughter Joan, whose
wardship during her minority after the death of her father. Master
John Chiltim, had by commission of the King. Afterwards the
said Joan married Thomas Payne.
The said John Smyth asked how he has knowledge of the
foregoing, and if he knows anything of the death of Thomas,
312 Records of Romsey Abbey.
son of Walter, and how old Thomas was at his death, says that
he was born at Domerham by Rokeburn, where the said Walter
Romsey, Knight, lived. Thomas, son of Walter was, at the time
of his death, aged about sixty years, and he was buried at Bradley.
The said Agnes says the same that John Smyth has said ; and
further, that the said Margaret, daughter of Walter Romsey,
Knight, married John Hunteley, and Agnes saw them at Okley, co.
Somerset, many times.
The said Nicholas says that his mother was nurse of the said
Thomas and Walter, sons of Thomas, and that his mother told
him the foregoing, and often said, in her lifetime, that Thomas,
the father of Thomas and Walter, was son of the said Walter
Romsey, Knight, and Joan his wife.
Also, by virtue of the said writ, on the eve of S. John the
Baptist next, after the date of the writ, at Salisbury, Thomas
Freman, of New Sarum, merchant, aged 69, and Oliver Brytte,
of Rokebourn, aged 92, were examined on oath. [23 June.]
Thomas Freman says that he well knew Thomas Romsey,
esquire, who was afterwards knighted, in parts beyond the sea,
in the retinue of Henry V. He also well knew Thomas, father of
the said Thomas Romsey, aged sixty years and more, and white-
haired.
Oliver Brytte says that he well knew Walter Romsey, Knight,
and well knew that he had two wives, of whom the first was called
Joan, by whom he had issue, John, Thomas, Margaret, and
Isabel — John being killed beyond the sea, as was said ; Thomas
married, and had five sons and daughters before he died; the
said Thomas at his death was aged sixty and more. The said
Margaret married John Huntley, and is buried in the church of
R[okebourn] aforesaid. The said Isabel married John Popham,
and died without issue. The second wife of the said Walter was
called Alice, by whom he had issue, Oliver, Marion, and Margaret.
Oliver died without issue ; Marion married a certain Byngham ;
Margaret, her sister, was professed in Wilton Abbey.
The said Oliver Brytte, asked how he knows the foregoing.
The Family "De Romesey." 313
says that he was born at Rokeboum, and was servant to Walter
Romsey, Knight, and also to Thomas his son, and lived in their
house.
Coram Rege Roll.
No. 808, m. 80 ; 3 Edward iiij, Easter Term. [1463.]
Thomas Swete of Bradeford by Yeuell, co. Dorset, glazier,
and Joan his wife, and Richard Hatfeld late of Aldbere, co.
Somerset, gentleman, were attached to answer to Roger Wyke and
John Wyke for entering into their manor of Rokeborne on
Monday next before the feast of S. John the Baptist, i Edward iiij,
to their damages of 1000/. [22 June, 1461.J
The defendants say that long before the entry is said to have
been made, and before Roger and John had any right in the
manor, Walter Romsey, Knight, at New Sarum, according to
ecclesiastical law, was affianced to Joan Martyn, and, after their
banns had been proclaimed on three festivals at intervals {inter se
distantes) they were married, and had issue Thomas and Margaret.
And afterwards Joan, who was wife of Thomas Payn, was seised
of the said manor of Rokeborne, after whose death it descended
to the said Joan, wife of Thomas Swete, as her kinswoman and
heir, namely, daughter of John, son of Margaret, daughter of the
said Margaret, daughter of the said Walter Romsey, father of the
said Thomas, son of Walter, father of Thomas, father of the said
Joan Payn, whose heir she is ; and the said Thomas Swete and
Joan entered the manor in her right, after the death of the said
Joan Pajm, and were seised thereof until Roger and John expelled
them, claiming the manor by pretext of a demise made to them
for life by the said Joan Payn. Upon this, Thomas, Joan, and
Richard their servant, made the entry of which Roger and John
complain.
Roger and John say that the said Walter Romsey and Joan,
his wife, had no daughter Margaret, and that Joan, wife of Walter
Romsey, died at Rokbourn in the lifetime of Walter, who after-
wards married at Rokbourn Alice, daughter of William Filoll,
314 Records of Romsey Abbey.
esquire, and had issue, the said Thomas (whom the defendants
suppose to have been the son of Walter and Joan) and Mary.
It is true that Joan, who was wife of Thomas Pajnie, died
seised of the said manor. After her death it descended to
Joan, daughter of Thomas Byngham, and William Horsey, as
her kinsmen and heirs, namely, to Joan, daughter of Thomas
Byngham, as one of the daughters and heirs of the said Mary,
and to William Horsey, as son of Eleanor, the other daughter
and heir of Mary, daughter of the said Walter, father of the said
Thomas, son of Walter, father of Thomas, father of the said Joan
Payn whose heirs William and Joan are ; the said William and
Joan entered the manor after the death of Joan Payn, and being
seised thereof, before the entry of which Roger and John com-
plain, they demised the same to the said Roger and John for life,
and by virtue of this demise Roger and John were seised of the
manor until the defendants entered it. The defendants afiSrm
that Walter Romsey and Joan, his wife, had a son, Thomas, as
they said before.
Jury of the neighbourhood to be summoned — adjourned.
The jury say that Thomas, whom the defendants suppose to have
been the son of Walter Romsey and Joan, was son of the same
Walter and of the said Alice, his wife, as the said Roger and
John have afifirmed. They assign damages to them for the said
entry and costs, two hundred marks. Judgment, that they
recover from the said Thomas Swete, Joan his wife, and Richard
Hatfeld, the said two hundred marks.
The Marion or Mary spoken of in these deeds was the
great aunt of Joan, the last of these Romeseys. She sur-
vived her husband, Sir Thomas Bingham, who died about
1403. On his death she was married to John Peny, and
lived on till about 1416. A charter relating to the Manor
of Sutton Bingham, with the advowson of the church there,
and to land in East Coker, gives the arms of the Romseys
on the seal " a fesse, and in chief a label of three points,''
with the legend " Sigillum, Walteri de Romesey," and adds
The Family "De Romesey." 315
some particulars of the Binghams. Mary, it appears, kept
possession of the title-deeds of this property, but after her
death her second husband, John Peny, handed them over
in solemn form to the husbands of her two surviving
daughters, Henry Horsey, the husband of Alianor, and
Thomas Cayleway, the husband of Johanna. An indenture
was drawn up in which it was recorded that John Peny
handed over to these two gentlemen in the presence of
witnesses divers chests, hampers, and " pixides," and eighty-
four charters, rolls of court, and other muniments relating
to their wives' inheritance. This indenture is dated 1416,
and is now at Montacute House.
Joan married a second time, and her husband, Roger
Wyke, with John, probably his son, had possession of
Rokeburne. Alianora's son, William Horsey, died on ist
April, 1448, leaving as his heir a young son Thomas, then
seven years of age. The latter, when he grew up, married,
but had no family, and on his death left a widow Anne,
who shared the property with his brother John. Thomas
Horsey's death took place on 25th February, 1477 ; he had
property in Wilts and Somerset, besides the Hampshire
properties at Dene, La Hyde, Romesey, Mounte, and
Mershwode, which, with the exception of Dene, are
described as held of the Abbess of Romsey. John, his
brother and heir, was at this time thirty years and more ;
he is mentioned as still alive in 1 504, and as the owner of
Marchwood, which John Rumsey, one of another branch
of the family, at that time held of him.
The mention of a John Rumsey at this late date, intro-
duces other branches of the family. The pedigree is not
easy to follow however. There was a John de Romesey,
of Marchwode, as early as 1315-16, and a John, sen., with
Maud, his wife, of the same place, in 1335 ; his son John
is referred to in connection with Testwode in 1349. A
3i6 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Richard held a messuage in Romsey in 1367, and there was
a John of West Worldham and Rose, his wife, in 1375. A
John, died 14th January, 1377, holding in right of his wife
Avice property at Godshulle, La Folde, Lyndhurst, Credel-
strowe, and Bourghate. The earliest consecutive pedigree
begins with Richard, who held the manor of Bykton by
Fordingbridge, c. 1421. The manor had been given to a
family of the name of Frank, with a remainder to Richard,
" who continued in possession upwards of forty years, and
left it to his son John, who entered into possession and
peacefully enjoyed it for thirty-three years and more till his
death, when it descended to John the younger, his son
and heir." John the elder died 19th July, 1494, John, jun.,
being thirty-four years old and more. The latter lived till
26th December, 1503, and a description of his property
is set out : —
iNQUisiTio POST Mortem.
Inquisition taken at Fordyngbrigge, co. Southton, 31st January,
19 Henry vij [a.d. 1504], after the death oijohn Rumsey.
The said John held no lands of the King in chief as of his
crown, but held the Manor of Bykton of the King as of the
earldom of Salisbury,^ by fealty only. The Manor is worth by
the year, clear, 10/. He held the Manor of Mershewode of John
Horsey, esquire, by fealty, and by a yearly rent of three quarters
of salt. The Manor is worth by the year, clear, 40.?. He held
the Manor of Tachebury of the warden of New College, Winchester,
by a yearly rent of i8.f. \o\d., payable at Easter and Michaelmas.
The Manor is worth by the year, clear, 405.
He died 26th December last. William Rumsey is his son and
heir, aged twenty-three years and more.
This John Romesay made his will on 21st December,
1503, and desires that his body should be buried within the
1 Edward, Earl of Salisbury, died 1484., aged ten years, and the earldom was
in abeyance until 1513.
The Family "De Romesey."
317
choir of the parish church of S. Mary, Fordingbridge, and
wills that a monument be erected over him. Some special
interest attaches to William Rumsey the heir, because he
married Elizabeth, daughter of John Parr of Kendal, and
must therefore have been connected with Katharine,
daughter of Thomas Parr of Kendal, the lady who became
successively wife of Henry VIII and Sir Thomas Seymour.
William Rumsey left no male heir, his son Richard dying
without issue before his father. An account of the two
daughters and the property is to be found in their father's
will, dated 8th June, 1548, and proved 19th September,
1549. The will is here transcribed both because it gives
some account of household goods of the period, and because
it mentions several places in the neighbourhood.
WILLIAM RUMSEY
OF BICTON AND TATYSBERY.
Richard ^
® c. 1461.
John, sen.=
9 1494.
John, jnr. -i- Johanna.
® 1503-
Anne. Wi'lliam =t= Elizabeth, daughter of
© 1549-
John Parr, of Kendal.
n
Anrie =r Th. Bartillmew, Richard, Radegunde =j= Th. Dix.
London. s. p.
r
T ^"
J::
r^
Will. =p Anne. John. Robert. Three
daughters.
Henry. Jone.
3i8 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Will of William Rumsey, of Bicton.
In the name of God Amen, the viii day of June the yere of
our Lord God 1548, I William Rumsey of Bicton of the parish
of ffordingbridge in the dioc. of Winton, of perfect mynde and
remembrance, god allwayes magnified, do ordyn, constitute and
make this my testament and last will in manner and form
following: — First I bequeath my soul to Almighty God my
creator, to Jesus Christ my redeemer, to the Holy Ghost in all my
necessities my only comforter, which I stedefasly do believe to be
three persons and one God, to our lady Saynt Mary and all the
company of heaven, desiring them to pray for me that I may be
possessioned of that inheritage, wh. ondowghtingly I believe god
hath prepared for his electe. And my body to be bur"* in the
North eyle of the saide par. ch. of Fordingbridge when it shall
please god to call for me. Also I will my body be browht in
earthe as shortly as it may be conveniently.
And of the goodes left to my distribution I give to the Trinitie
Church of Winchester ^.d. Also to the high alter of my parish
church 4d. Item, I give to bye bokes for the mayntayning of the
divine service in my said parish church 6s. M. Also I will that at
the day of my burial be distributed among priestes, clarkes, and
pore people, 40^^. And at my monithes mynde I will only the
priests and clarkes to be present shall be given them in
wages.
Also I will that all my evidences and Court rowUes, which
evidences and Court rowlles Th. Bartillmew now has in his keep*,
concerning Bicton, by my hands delivered, be putt into a coffer
and so be faste locked with ij lockes and sealid, and a plate of
yerne fast nayled on the keye holes, and my ij heirs and dawghters,
that is to say Anne Bartillmew and Radegunde Dixe, to keep the
keys of the coffer for their right and welth, and for the right of
their ij herris of ther bodys lawfully begotten for ever. And for
lack of right heirs of them, then to remain to Mr. John Millis of
Southhampton, gentillman, and to the heirs of his body lawfully
begotten, for the lands of Bicton and no more lands of myne.
And I will and charge you, Mr. John Milles, before God, that
The Family "De Romesey." 319
you bestow all the entrances of my lands in my name for me, my
wiff, and all my heirs, one hundred marks of lawful money of
England in almes dedes to be distributed to Priestes, Clerkes,
and pore persons at Fordingbridge Church to pray for me and all
myne and all Christian souls. This not done, I give all lands
above specified to the kyng. Also I bequeath to my daughter
Anne Bartillmew j£6. 13s. 4d. on this condition, that the said
Thomas Bartillmew, her husband, be sufficiently bound to
Elizabeth, my wife, for the performance of a certain gift by me to
my said wife, the date wheroff is the 25th day of Jan. in the 38
yr. of K. Henry the VIII [1546], before the said legacies be paid.
Also I bequeath to William Bartillmew my godson my best
dublett and 6^. 8^., and if the said William decease before me
I will then and do bequeath the said legacy to John Bartillmew,
the second son of Thomas Bartillmew. Also I bequeath to
Thomas Dix my tawny gowne and jacket of black chamblett, and
a doublett of crimson damask. Also I bequeath to my daughter
Radegund Dix ;^3. 6s. Sd.. Item, I b. to Henry Dix 20s. to be
applied to his behoof and use by my overseers till he come to the
age of 16 years, and then to have it delivered. Also I b. to
Jone Dix £3. 6s. 8d., to be reserved to her behoof by my overseers
till she come to the age of 16 years.
I bequeath to Thomas Bartillmew my best gown. Item, I
bequeath to my sister Anne my black gown furred with cony and
40.f. sterling. Item, I bequeath to Mr. Ockeden my best jacket
of black damask. Also I bequeath to every of my god-children
4d. Also I bequeath to every of my servants los. if they please
my wife. Also I bequeath to my wife Elizabeth for her anuite
£8 sterling to be paid to her well and truly out of my lands in
Bicton within the Churche of Fordingbridge at two usuall times in
the year, that is to say at the feste of Thannuciation of the Blessed
Lady Saynt Mary and S. Michal Tharchanngell, by even and
equal parts, or within 14 days after every of the said festes duryng
her naturall lyffe by the handes of Thomas Bartillmew or his heirs,
according unto an indenture made betwixt me and the said
Thomas berying date the last daye of June in the 38 year of
K. H. VIII. Also I bequeath to Elizabeth my wife my hole
320 Records of Romsey Abbey.
Lordship of Tayttisbery with all the implements of myne within
the sayde Lordship according unto a certain indenture made for
the behoife and purpose beryng date the last day of April the year
of the reynge of Edward the VI by the grace of God of E. F. and
of Ir. king, defender of the faith, and in either of the Churches
of England and also of Ir., imediatly under God supreme hede,
the first. Also I will my game of swannes to remain to Elizabeth
my wife during her lyffe, and att her decease at the marking time
next after to remain to Anne Bartillmew and Radegund Dix, and
to the heirs of their bodies lawfully begotten. Also I will
Elizabeth my wife to be my hole executrix of all and every parcel
of my goods moveable and unmoveable, these only excepted in
this my present testament and last will otherwise appointed and
bequeathed, and she to see my debts dewly payed and my burial
and monthes mynde honestly performed, fulfilling this my last
will and testament in all points, articles, and conditions.
Also I desire and pray to be my overseers Mr. John Milles,
Mr. Charles Bulkeley the elder, Mr. John Ockeden, esquires. Sir
William Grenewell, clerk, John Pokett, yoman, and Henry Crewse,
Husbondman, to see all and everything as it is here written and
expressed in this my testament and last will effectually performed,
and no payment of this my last w. and t. to be deferred, diminished,
or transposed so long as it stande with the law of God and the
law of the realme. And my said supervisors over and above all
the legacies to any of the afore bequeathed to have every of them
for ther paynes, industry, and fidelity, if ther shall susteyn in this
behalfe 6^-. 8d., deserying for all to be present at my funeral or
monthes mynd. And to every of you also then ther present I
give xij praying you most tenderly to have in mynde
these my poore requests, and to pray for me, as I shall (God
willing) for you, if we maye come to the fruition of the godhed to
which He of his infinite goodness and mere mercy brying both
you, me, and all Christens. In witness and veritie of all and
singular the premisses I Wylleyam Rumsey, esquire, at Bicton
before said, have subscribed my name the day and year above
written, these being present : Henry Tripook, John Rede, and
Ralf Wyng, all of Bicton.
Bassett =^
T
Imund, J. Byset t= Katharine. Isabel =f . . .
?■
;1 = Alianora. Margaret.
r
John,
s. p.
■-T
Margaret.
Simon.
T
Marion = (2) John Peny. Margaret.
[Nun at Wilton.]
1 1 1
Eliz. (i) Th. = Joan =p (2) Roger Henry =P Eleanor.
s. p. Kellaway | Wyke. Horsey
John. I 1
William,
® 1448.
T
Thomas = Anne. John,
ffi 1477. alive 1504.
s.p.
The Family "De Romesey." 321
The Indenture of all and singular the goods and cattail of Mr.
Wyllyam Rumsey, Esquyer, late dwelling in Bycton in the parish
of Fordingbridge in the Diocese of Wynton, praysed and taken
in the presence of Henry Tryppoche, John Rede, and Kevyn
Hode, the 14th daye of Aug., the yere of our Lord God, 1549.
£ s d
o
This indenture taken at Tatysberye the daye
and year above wrotte in the Diocese above said of
the aforesaid William's goods by John Warwyoke,
Roger Helyer, and Richard Cooke.
In primis a chamlett cassott, a dublett, and a worsted hatt
Item, a helyn, a carpett, and a peyre of blanchetts
„ a pair of shette, 2 table cloths, 2 towells, 2 cur-
teyns, and 6 naptkys ...
a woode knyffe ...
„ a pewter vessell
,, a chaste
o
In primis, 2 geldynge praysed 4 o
Item, 2 kyne praysed 030
„ in gold and silver of lawfel and curant money of
England ... ... ... ... ... ... 41 o o
„ a wood fende ... ... ... ... ... o 20 o
„ a great brass pott and 3 lesser ... ... ... o 10 o
,, 3 pannes and 2 haderyns ... ... ... ... o 14 o
„ 2 fryin pannys, 2 gyrde irons, 2 brannde irons, and
chaffer, and dryppyn panns, and ladell, and
fleshe hooke, a fyer panne, and fyer pronge,
and payre of tongys, a skymer, 7 brooches, 3
Anndyerns, and a chaffeyn dysh
,, Candellstycke ...
,, A II platerers, 8 poteyngers, sawsers, 5 potage
dysses, a basin, 2 salte sellers, 3 pewter cuppes
,, 2 fether beddes and flocke bedde and a mattresse,
and all thynges thereto belongyng
„ 3 borde clothes, 3 tuelles, and 15 naptkyns
,, Hys Apparel] ...
„ 2 counter hordes and syde borde, 2 great chestes, 3
coffer box, and 2 chayers, with all the reste of
wooden stuffe ... ... ... ... ... o 31
21
4
3
4
20
S3
4
16
13 6
8
S3
4
20
20
3
4
13
4
3
4
Sum total, £^^. 8s. £^A 19 o
[But there seems to be a mistake of i is.] -
A.D., 1549, iQth September.
W
322 Records of Romsey Abbey.
With the death of William, the male line of this branch
ended, and the Rumseys disappear from this part of
Hampshire. A branch, perhaps from Somerset, about
the same time migrated into Wales, from which stock
an extensive family of several branches issued, and many
members of the family are to be found in different parts
of the country. For the Welsh branch, Jones' History
of Brecknock should be consulted.
APPENDICES.
A. Who was S. ^thelfl^eda ?
B. RoMSEY Notes from Domesday.
C. Mr. John Latham and his Collections.
Appendix A. 325
APPENDIX A
Who was S. ^thelfljEda?
The Abbey of Romsey was at the first dedicated in honour of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, and at an early date the name of S. ^thelflseda,
virgin and abbess, was united with that of the Blessed Virgin in
the dedication, but a doubt has arisen as to the identity of this lady.
There was an jElflseda, daughter of Edward the Elder, dwelling here
at the earliest period ; she was buried at Romsey, and may have been
the first abbess. Of this lady the Liber de Hyda says : — " Elfledam
sanctam Deo dicatam, quae apud Romeseyam requiescit." It may,
however, be confidently asserted that this was not the lady whom the
Abbey honoured as patron saint, and for these reasons : —
(i) The Romsey saint is closely connected wAh another abbess and
saint of that house, S. Merwinna, to whom she was sent as a pupil
by King Edgar after the death of Earl Ethelwold, her father. The
life of this lady, transcribed from the very book in which the Romsey
sisters, of the fourteenth century, used to read about her,^ proves that
this lady, and not Edward the Elder's daughter, was then honoured
as patron saint.
(2) The Romsey Psalter of about the year 1441 distinguishes
between these two ladies j for whereas the feast days of the patron
saint are entered in the calendar thus : —
23rd October. — See Ethelflede vgis [red letter day].
27th January. — Translatio S. Ethelflede [black letter day].
loth March. ^-Revelacio S. Ethelflede [black letter day].
the feast of the daughter of Edward the Elder, whose name is entered
amongst a list of obits by a later hand, is given on 6th March, and
she is definitely identified by the description " sister of S. Edburga.''
(3) The more ancient of the documents (a) — (e), quoted below,
show the saint in close connection with Merwinna, and place her
feast on 23rd October and not on 6th March. These documents also
prove that 29th October and other dates which have been at one time
or another assigned to her are erroneous.
1 See Chapter II and pp. 289, 290.
326 Records of Romsey Abbey.
{a) B. M. Stowe MS. 960, the Hyde Register, compiled c. 1016-25,
gives amongst the names of illustrious women, p. 41 : —
Merpynn abbatissa Hrumesig cenobio (ninth on list).
ASelflaed abbatissa Hrumesig cenobio (fourteenth on list).
{b) A Martyrology [C. C. C. Cambridge MS., No. 201, fol. 149, d\
of a date before the Norman Conquest, contains this notice : —
" oon Teste's on rumesige sea maerpyn paes seo forme abbodesse Jiass
mynstref 7 see balthild regina 7 sea se^elflsed 7 fela oSre halgan." ^
{c) A Calendar [B. M., Titus D. xxvii] of the eleventh century, once
owned by Abbott Aelfwine of Newminster, Winchester [1035-1057],
has, in a contemporary though different handwriting from the rest of
the book, this entry ; —
" X Kal. Nov.* (d)epositio ca sethelflsde vir."
{d) A Calendar [B. M., Cotton Vit. E. xviii], of a date from c. 1031
to the close of the century : —
" X Kal. Nov. Athelflaede vir."
To this has been added and interlined above " Aelflede " in a hand-
writing of the twelfth to thirteenth centuries.
(fi) A Martyrology [B. M., Reg. 2, A. xiii, fol. 42 a\ of about the
date 1220-24, according to Mr. Edmund Bishop, gives : —
" X Kal. Nov. In britania monasfio Rinesie sea a'lflede virg 3 Abbatisse.''
{f) B. M. Cotton Jul. B. vii, p. 48 b, under the date X Kal. Nov.,
gives curiously enough "ethelflede regie"; but the MS. belongs to
Norwich, and is of the fifteenth century.
{g) B. M. Cotton Tib. E. i, known as John of Tynmouth's Sancti-
logium [1360-70], gives the name "EMeda vir. & Abb."
{k) B. M. Cotton Otho D. ix, or Capgrave's Nova Legenda [1464],
based, it is said, on John of Tynmouth's work, adds her feast incorrectly
" 4 Kal. Nov.", i.e., 29th October, and says that she flourished about
959, and seems therefore to refer to the daughter of Edward the Elder.
(z) Wilson [Martyrology,^ B. M., Press Mark 1125, a. 14] gives
20th January in his earlier edition for the feast, and 29th October in
his later, and makes matters more confused than Capgrave ; but he
improves on this writer by saying that she died 992, though he is
probably some years too early.
1 The text of this tract printed from all copies by F. Liebermann, under the
title, "Die HeiUgen Englands." And see Hicks' Thesaurus, Vol. Ill, p. 120.
2 23rd October, ' From Robert Buckland.
APPENDIX B.
ROMSEY Notes from Domesday.
REFERENCES.
Victorian County History. — Hants.
Wyndham, Wilts Domesday.
Jones, Wilts Domesday.
B.M. Add. MS. 31,923, p. 21, A Conspectus of
King's Somborne Hundred.
328
ROMSEY NOTES
Domesday Name
of Estate
Saxon Ownership
Time of
King Edward the
Confessor
Domesday Tenure
and Sub-Tenure
Domesday
T. R. E.i
Hide Virg.
Hides
A.D. 1086
Hide Virg.
Plough-
lands
Ploughs! Xl"^'"^,
Servants
Eomseyg^
[Romsey Infra
and Extra]
Dodintune '
[Totton]
Sueia" ...
[Sway]
Stoche
[Itchen Stoke]
Sidemanestone
[Sidmonton]
Edendones
[Edington,
Wilts]
Aistone^
[Steeple Ash-
ton, Wilts]
Domesday Hundred of Sumburne, now dispersed among the several
Abbey of Ry.
Abbess of Ry.
Hungerus
Four free men
Abbess
Abbess
Abbess
Abbess
Abbess
William '\
Osmund f
Hervey C
Some English J
Abbess
Edward
William
Some English
14
ll
i|
Li
3iJ
I
I
I
8
10
30
IS
3
40
10
[I
[I
I
o
I]
3i]
o
18
94
IS
4
74 o
4i
4
2
S
Domesday Hundred of i
3 I IS
Domesday Hundred of'
2 2
Domesday Hundred of :
6 10 18 I
Domesday Hundred of ■
29
Domesday Hundred of 1
64
78
3S4
22
°)
of
oC
I2i
ij
37
29
°)
°
0)
1 T. R. E. means " time of King Edward."
2 The Abbey holds the whole ville in which the Church is situate. In
Winchester are XIV Burgesses, paying 25 shillings.
' A saltpan, worth 10 shillings.
329
FROM DOMESDAY.
Mills
Value of
Mills
Acreage
of
Meadows
Swine
Woods and Pasture
Aunual Values of Estates
T. R. E.
Interim
Hundreds of King's Somborne, Buddelsgate, Thorngate, and Wherwell
£ s d
I S o
S36
40
Rodbridge, now Redbridge.
I o 10 o 30
Bovere, now New Forest
I
IMantesberg, now Bountisborough.
■i
126
10
Clere, now Kingsclere.
"Wharwellesdown, Wilts.
o 19 o
I 12 6
Pasture, ij miles by f
mile. Wood, I i miles
by S furlongs
Pasture, 2 miles 3 fur.
by I fur. Wood, 3
miles by f mile
£ s d
19 o o
10
3 10 o
700
700
V
£ s d
100
o 0<
A.D. 1086
£ s d
24 o o
2
100
3 10 o
900
30
18
30
6
13
* One virgate in the Forest.
* Those who held the 15 hides, T.R.E., could not be separated from the Church.
^ Those who held T.R.E. could not be separated from the Church.
330 Records of Romsey Abbey.
APPENDIX c.
Mr. John Latham and his Collections for a
History of Romsey.
Chiefly from the "Naturalist," Vol. IV, 1838-g,
There are, amongst the British Museum Additional MSS. [Nos.
26,774 — 26,780], seven quarto volumes which comprise a great
variety of information relative to the local history of the Abbey,
Town, and Neighbourhood of Romsey ; these volumes are illustrated
by numerous engravings, drawings, and plans, and are a witness to
the immense diligence of Mr. John Latham who made these collections.
At one time he intended to present them to the world, and was only
deterred by the risk of publishing. The description of their acquisition
by the B. M. is as follows : — " They were purchased by the Librarian
at Putticks & Co., July 1866, having been sold at Evans' in Pall Mall,
22nd December, 1837, and bought by Rodd for £10. ijj.''
The author of these collections was born at Eltham, in Kent, on
27th June 1740. He was the eldest son of John Latham, surgeon
and apothecary of that place, who is said to have been descended
from an ancient Lancashire family. At the age of six years he was
sent to Merchant Taylors' School, and at fifteen he was prepared for
his father's profession. He was married in 1763, and commenced
business at Dartford.
At an early age he showed a love for natural history. There is a
quaint oil painting of him, when ten years old, holding in his hand
what looks like a wooden model of a bird. He published in 1821 his
General History of Birds, and though he was then eighty-two years
of age, he is described as retouching the copper plates with a steadiness
of hand supposed to belong to the prime of life. The tools he used
were, till lately, to be seen in a house in S. Thomas' Street,
Winchester. His voluminous correspondence with eminent naturalists
is referred to by his biographer, who adds : " That besides inspecting
museums and making drawings of specimens, he etched every copper
plate in his original work, stuffed and set up almost every animal
in his extensive museum, and put together with his own hands a great
many of the very cases in which they were deposited."
MR. LATHAM, AS A CHILD.
[From a painting.]
To face p. 330.]
Appendix C. 331
He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1775, and lived to
be the "Father" or oldest member. He was also a Fellow of the
Society of Antiquaries. In 1796 he retired from his profession,
possessed of a handsome fortune, almost entirely realised during his
practice of thirty-two years. He chose Romsey as his home, where
his only surviving son was hving, '' whose immediate predecessors," it
is added, "on the spot inhabited by him, turned an abbey into a
brewery."
He married again in 1798, and spent at Romsey some twenty years
in comfort, living in a house in Middlebridge Street, which was after-
wards occupied by a Mr. Colcott. Then a series of unexpected
calamities in his family not only caused him the severest distress of
mind, but plunged him at eighty years of age into a state of almost
utter destitution. Happily a home was found for him at the house of
his son-in-law, Mr. W. N. Wickham, in S. Thomas' Street, and here
he came in 1819, settling down by the aid of his placid disposition and
real goodness of heart to his usual habits and pursuits.
In 1835 his daughter, Mrs. Wickham, died, and this year he felt
for the first time the failure of his eyesight, but he walked out alone
daily, scorning the support of anyone's arm. In 1836 Lord Palmerston
paid him a visit, and describes him as "well, hearty, and cheerful,
eating a good dinner at 5 p.m., but no longer able to see to read."
He was then ninety-six years of age.
He passed away the year following. " His end was rapid, but not
unexpected, and was caused not by disease but by exhaustion. The
taper fairly burnt out. At the last he fell into a deep sleep of many
hours duration, in which he expired without a pang on 4th February,
1837." His remains were deposited in the Abbey church. He is
described as having a firm mouth, fine nose, with kindly eyes which
twinkled, and a frank open face, surmounted by a wig. He was " one,
not only of the most punctual of men of business, but of the most
attentive to all the duties and courtesies of life.''
INDEX OF PERSONS AND PLACES
To Chapters I— XV.
For Abbesses, Prebendaries, and Vicars, see pp. xvii — xxiii, and under
individual names in this Index.
Aas, Felicia, Abbess, 191, 192, 196.
Aas, Ralph, 191.
Abarrow, Barbara, Edward, and Sir
Williann, 257-8 pedigree.
Abbey Gate, 6.
Abbott's Ann, church, 192.
Ablyngton, John and Alice, 170.
Account Roll of Household, 194-5.
Account Roll of King's Bailiff, 271.
Ace, John, 110.
Acle, Walter de, 71.
Adam, Preb. and Rector, 65, 72, 125.
Admundus, Presb., 125.
^Igyfu, Abb., 28.
.lElgyfu, or Emma, Queen, 35.
.(Elfleda, Queen, 11, 12.
.i^lfleda. Nun, 11, 12.
JEXifhryth, or Elfrida, Queen, 4, 15,
17-19.
MMyioli, 15
.^thelfiaeda, S. and Abb., 17-27, 29,
31. 4Si 52, 57. 68, 70, her chapel,
192.
^thelhilda, 11.
^thelred. King, 5, 35.
.(Ethelwine, 15.
.^thelwold, Earl, 4, 15-17, 19.
.^thelwold, Bp., 13, 18.
Agard, Roger, 152.
Agmondersham, 127.
Aguylun, Rob. and Margaret, 79.
Ailesbury, John de, 150, 153, 163.
Alan, Count, 41 .
Alanus, Chapl., 59, 126.
Albemarle, Countess of, Isabella de
Fortibus, 79.
Alberburia, Th. de, 80.
Alfred, King, 5, 11, 12.
Alfwen, 15.
Almsmen and women, 271-2.
Alresford, 67.
Alricius, 52.
Alwine, Bp., 5.
Alwardus, 59.
Amesbury, 58, 250.
Amicia, and v. Sulhere de, 149, 164.
Andover, 4, 67, iii.
Annadown, Henry, Bp., 166.
Anne, Alice de, 113.
Anne, Queen, 187.
Anselm, Abp., 40-43.
Anton, River, 4.
Aqua, Emma de, 153.
Arches. Court of, 130.
Arnold's House, 276.
Artone, Alice, Nun, 166.
Arundel, William, Earl of, 182.
Arundel, Lord, 245.
Ashbury, Berks, 130.
Ashely, 59.
Ashfield or Ashfold, 7, 204.
Ashley, Johanna, 159.
Ashley, Thomasine, 198, 220, 224, 236.
Ashridge, Bucks, 150.
Ashton, V. Steeple.
Asshe, 171.
Atheling, Edgar, 39, 41.
Athelstan, King, 12.
Athelstan, half-king, 15.
Augmentation, Court of, 250, 256, 268,
272.
Aungerville, Ric, 131.
Austreberthe, S., Monastery of, 56.
Austrey Crosse and Wood, 267, 268.
Awdeley, Lord, 275-6.
Axemuth, Will, de, 64.
Ayremine, Ric. de, 136-7.
Aysshelonde, Kath, 112.
334
Index.
B.
Bacch, John le, 177.
Baddesley, 256, 277.
Bailey, John, 192.
Baker, John [Warden of Winton
Coll.], 198.
Banester, Edith, Nun, 237, 246, 253.
Bannerman, Florence, 250.
Banning, or Bannok, Street, 175-6,200.
Barbe, S., family, 278.
Barbfle, Matilda de, Abb., 63-4, 66, 71.
Bardolf, Th., 269.
Bardolfeston, 75.
Barton, Rob. and Delicia, 197.
Bassett, John, 203.
Batildis, Saint and Queen, 15.
Barwyke, John, 189.
Bayley, Wal., 269.
Baynton, Manor of, 151.
Beare, Rob., 270.
Beauchamp, Sir John, 206.
Beauchamp, Ric, Bp. Sarum, 213.
Beaulieu, 254.
Belfry, the, 270-1 .
Bellowe and Biggott, 267.
Bere, de la, Andrew, 85-6.
„ Alice, 85-6.
„ Richard, 85-6.
", „ Th., 86.
Bere, la, forest of, 8i.
Berell, Will., 200.
Berengarius, 52.
Berkele, Eliz., Dame, 165.
Bernard, Wal., 203.
Berwick, John de, Preb., 126.
Beynton, 12.
Beyre, John, 185.
Biscaye, John, Lord of, 130.
Blacche, Will., IS3-4-
Blaise, S. and Bp., 185.
Blontesdone, Cecily de, iio-ii.
Blowes, Will., 269.
Bluet, John, 92.
Bonnam, Marg., 279.
Boteleston, Nic. de, 64, 121, 168.
Botenhanger, 206.
Bourges, S. Sulpice at, 54.
Boiirne, Th. de, 177.
Brabant, Duke of, 57.
Bradebridge, Broadbridge, 36, 81, 175.
Bradley, Monastery of, 52 ; chapel
72, 74, 146, 152.
Braishfield, Brayesfeld, Nic. de, 115,
116, 256, 269.
Braishfield, Brayesfeld, Emma de,
1 17-18.
Brembelsshete, Alice de, 1 14.
Bretere, Will., 202.
Bridge End, 276.
Bridges of Cobberley, 206.
Brithwina, 17, 19.
Britoni, Geoffrey, 73.
Briwere, Will., S, 81.
Broadlands, or Brodelande, 7, 205-6,
256, 265, 277, 278.
Broadwater, 164.
Brodelande style, 176.
Broke, Eliz., Abb., 211-26.
Bromcroft, 183.
Broramore, Agnes de, no.
Brotherhood of S. George, v. S. George.
„ S. Laurence, v. S. Laur.
,, Jesus, 185.
Browne, John, 277.
Bruera, Gilbert de, 134.
Brugge, Peter, 166.
Bruges, Eleanora, 206.
Bryce, Master, 222-5.
Bryggys, Joan, Abb., 198, 206-1 1, 224.
Bryone, Isabella, 272.
Bull, Dorothy, 279.
„ Edm., 279. '
„ John, 185, 269, 275.
„ Rob., 276.
Burci, Serbo de, 54.
Bures, Will, de, 121, 171, 192.
Burnett, Will, 269.
Burnham, Rob., 269, 275.
Buttesthorne, de, Joan, Margery, Ric.
and Rog., 1 14.
c.
Camoys, Isabel de, Abb., 148.
„ Ralp de, 164.
„ Margery de, 166.
Canmore, Malcolm, K. Scotland, 39,
40, 42.
Canons of Romsey, 126.
Canterbury, Abp. of, 115.
Canterton, 5, 71.
Canute, 5, 26, 35.
Index.
335
Carbonel, Sybil, Abb., 91, 93, 96, g8,
109.
Carell, Maria, 248.
Carter, Wal., 269.
Casewyk, Matilda, 213.
Cassanchis, Gaucelin de, 137.
Cassett, Will., 257.
Catell, John, 203.
Cecilia, Abb., 64-66, 69, 72, 74, 125.
Cetne, Henry de, 71.
Certeseye, Isabella de, 164.
Certificates of Colleges, 186.
Chabbes Garden, 265.
Chabbes Lodging, 264.
Chaddesly, Ric.de, Preb., 109-111,132.
Chamberlyn, Alice, 166.
Chaplain's House, 265.
Chapter House, 122, 264.
Chark, John, loi.
Chartulary (Winton Cath.), 136.
Cheriton, 134.
Cherville St., 176.
Chester, Th., 269.
Chilworth, 274.
China, 118.
Christina, 39, S", SS-
Chulraarke, Henry de, 127.
Churchstile St., 6, 115, 176.
Cinnoc, Savaric de, 71.
Clarendon Forest, 67, 70.
Cleeve, Michael, 215, 216.
Clere Regis, or Kingsclere, 18.
Clericuli of Romsey, 52.
Clerk, Simon, 269, 271, 276.
Cocke, John, 116.
Codewell, Will, de, 177.
Cole, John, 171.
Compton, Johanna de, 1 14.
Confraternity, spiritual, 29-31.
Constables, 276.
Constance, Abb., 64, 69, 73.
Cook, Robert, 270.
Cooke, Stephen, 183.
Cotes, Chapel of, 53.
Coueleston, 72, 157-
Courle, John, 184.
Cowse, Nic, 277.
Cranborhe, 59, 140.
Cromwell, Th., 248, 249, 250.
Crondall, 85.
Crowchman, Simon, 183.
Dabernoun, John, 92.
Danes, the, 26, 27, 35, 38.
Darrell, Joan, 250.
Dean, East and West, 6, 75.
De la Ware, Lord, 245.
Delburge, Nic, Preb., 140.
Despenser, Hugh le, 164.
Devizes, 53.
Domesday, 6.
Dowce, Ric. and John, 266, 273-4.
Dowman, John, Preb., 228-9, 241.
Dowman, Marg., 247.
Dunstan, S. and Abp., 13, 18.
Durham, 12, 29, 30.
Dynham, Oliver, Preb., 213, 220.
E.
Eadgyth, Queen, 4.
Eadgyth, see Matilda, Queen.
Eccleslde, or Eccleshall, de John, 133.
Edgar, King, 4, 13-19, 37-8, 53, 66,
81, 96, 113, 271.
Edington, or Edyndon, 14, 53, 57, 59,
72, 73, 80, 109, 126, 134, 151, 159,
254-
Edington Register, 52, 65, 156, 163.
Edmund Atheling, 15.
Edmund, Presb., 52.
Edward the Black Prince, 150.
Edward the Confessor, 4, 35, 78.
Edward the Elder, 11, I2.
Edwin Cocus, 52.
Edyndon, John de, Preb., 134, 148.
„ Ralph de, 77.
,, Walter de, 77.
Ela, Countess, 75, 76.
Elfleda, see i^lflaeda.
Elfrida, see Queen .lElfthryth.
Eling, 8, 205.
Elmere, John, 172.
Eltham, John of. Earl of Cornwall, 130.
Elwina, Abb., 26-27, 35.
Ely, Bp. of, 166.
Emery, John, 182.
Emma, Queen, S, 3S-
Enborn, Berks, 79, 80.
Ermyne, v. Ayremine.
Ervin, Henry, 215.
336
Index.
Escuet, Will., 45.
Essefalde, Edwin de, 52.
Essetona, see Steeple Ashton.
Esthorp, Brian, 228, ff.
Ethelmere, Governor of Hants, 15.
Ethelfleda, see .^thelflseda.
Ethelwold, see ^thelwold.
Ethelred the Unready, see ^thelred.
Ethelwulfe, S-
Ethenduna, see Edington.
Euy, or Evy, Lane, 201, 276.
Everard, Lucy, Abb. 17 1-2.
Ewshot, 85.
Exchequer, Red Book of, 156.
P.
Falesia, Will, de, 36, 64.
Faricius, Abb. of S. Albans, 44.
Farlee, or Farlegh, Will, de, 133.
Fatte, Wal. le, 79.
Fauconberg, Eustachia de, 77.
Fishlake, 6, 175.
Fitz-Herbert, Dame Lucy, 164.
Fitz-Piers, Reg., 164.
Fitz-Waryn, Sir Philip, 159.
Fleming, Eliz., nun, 248.
,, Frances, 277.
Fleming, Sir Francis, 140, 265, 267,
268, 271, 277, 278.
Fleming, Michael, 279.
Sir Th., 277.
,, Will., 267, 277-80.
Fleury, 13.
Florencia, James de, Preb., 127, 135.
Folton, Master, 228.
Folyot, John, 171.
Fonte, Rob. de, 59.
Fontevrault, 58.
Forde, Joan, 198.
Forester, John, Alice, and Eliz., 166,
170.
Foster, Edw., 140.
Foster, John, 247, 249, 251-3, 256-7,
276.
Foster, Th., 249, 269.
Fractis, Nic. de, 137.
Fraunceys, Isab., 114.
Frederick I, Emp., ^6.
Freshwater church, 79.
Frithestan, Bp., 12.
G.
Gabbell, Wal., ipg.
Galiciano, Pet. de, Preb., 130, 132.
Galne, Wal., 125.
Gaterygges Place, 207.
George, Christopher, 229, 232, 241.
George, Th., 186.
Gerard, Earl of Gueldres, 57.
Gilbert, the Deacon, 52.
Goddard, Marion, 248.
Godwyn, Vicar, Steeple Ashton, 73.
Gorsyn, Alice, nun, 245.
Gosemede, 207.
Grace Dieu Abbey, 75.
Gregory VII and IX, Popes, 247.
Grene, John, 214.
Grenefeld, John, 201.
Grinstead, East, 75.
Grove Place, 8.
Grymstede, John de, 114.
,, Th. de, 114.
Guardians of Romsey church, 270.
Guldeforde, Clemencia de, Abb., 91,95.
Gyfforde, Ric, 280.
H.
Hadewisa, Abb., 51-3, 125.
Hainault, Earl of, 56.
Halterworth, 204.
Hampton, John and Alice de, 98.
Harvey, Agnes, Nun, 224-5, 234, 246.
Haselbury, 85.
Haynow, Avice, nun, 225, 234, 241.
Hayward, Steph., 183.
Hede, Dr., 223.
Henry, Clericus, 52.
Herlewin, 52.
Hertford, Earl of, 206.
Hertyngdon, Adam de, Preb., 140.
Hill, Will., 185.
Hillfields, or Highfield, 204.
Hingham, Ralph de, 130.
Hodgis, Wal., 215.
Hogeman, Lucy, 152.
Hoghton, Greg, de, 170.
HoUoway, Edith, Nun, 213, 224.
Holme, John, 182.
Holte, Sybilla, Nun, 164.
Homcroft, 203.
Honchon, John, 203.
Index.
337
Horde, Ric, 152.
Hordes, Th., 247.
Horton, John, 153.
Hosato, Wal., 45.
Hospital, S.S. Mary and Anthony, 204,
272.
Householde Hall, 264.
Hrumesig, Hrumensis, 7.
Hundred, The, 6, 176.
Hunlacy, 53.
Husbond, David, 214-15.
Hyde Abbey and Register, 7, 27, 29,
35, 115, 164.
I & J.
Jamys, Will, 184.
Ichenstoke, 99, 193.
Icthe, Joan, Abb., m, 112, 121, 131,132.
Ida, of Blois, 57.
Jesus, Chapel of, 185.
Imber, or Immere, 59, 72, 126, 140,
iSS, 158, 159-
Ingeham, John and Albreda de, 75, 76.
Incent, John, 242, 244.
Inmede, 154.
Immere, John de, 157.
Inslnesborough, 204.
Joan, Wid,, 170.
Johanna, Princess, 60.
Johans, Ric, 246.
John, Presb., 52.
Ironside, Edm., 39.
Isabel, see Nevill.
Isabel of Salisbury, 75.
Judson, John, 275.
Juliana, Abb., 51, 57-59, 69, 156.
Jurati of Romsey, 269.
Jueul, de Henry, 72.
Kemeseye, 132.
Kent, John, 192.
Kepernham, or Cupernham, 202, 204,
273-
Keredyf, John, 191.
Keylewey, Sir Will., 280.
Kilpec, Isabella de, 84.
Kilpec Manor, 84-5.
Kimbridge, 5-6.
Kings of England [for Saxon Kings,
V. individual names] : —
Edward I, 36, 41, 44, 49-50, 53, 55,
71, 77-8, 87.
Edward II, 36, 53-5, 58, 69, 75, 78,
87-
Edward IV, 182; Black Book of,
274.
Henry I, 35, 41, 44, 45, 49, 50.
Henry II, 36, 53-56, 58.
Henry III, 60, 63, 66-9, 77, 78.
Henry IV, 170, 191, 195.
Henry VIII, 244.
John, 59, 66.
Richard I, 58, 69.
Richard II, 170, ig8.
Stephen, 51-5.
William the Conqueror, 35, 36.
William Rufus, 39-41.
Kingsclere, 18.
King's Somborne, v. Somborne.
Kychener, John and Agnes, 276.
Kyrby, John, 273.
Lancaster, Duchy of, 267.
Lanfranc, Abp., 42.
Langford, Th. de, 158.
Langley Mede, 207.
Latham, Mr., 196, 197, 281.
Latimer, or Lortemere, Street, 176.
Latimer, Hugh, 274.
Laycock Abbey, 75.
Laycroft, Th., 184, 229, 232.
Layton, Ric, 249.
Leckford, 4, 166, 167.
Lee, 7, 74, 201, 20s, 273.
Leech, John de, 110.
Legh, Dr., 249.
Letice, Alice, nun, 78.
Lillechurch, 30, 54.
Lists of nuns, 28, 112, 113, 166, 236,
237, 248, 253.
Lockerley, 6.
Longparish, 4.
Longsp^e, Will., 75.
Louis VII, King, 55.
Lovell, Maud, Abb., 164, 166, 167, 196,
198, 201.
338
Index.
Lusteshall, Ric. de, Preb., 109, 121,
136. 137-
Luzborough, 204.
Lyster, Sir Ric, and Eliz., 140, 234,
250, 251, 265, 266.
M.
Malewayn, John, and others, and
Manor of, 171, 193, 205, 266, 274.
Malyn, Clemence, 246.
Mannestun, Ric. de, 72, 126.
Marchwood, 8.
Mare, Kath, de la, 166.
Margaret, S. and Queen, 39.
Market Place, 6, 275.
Martyn, Robert, 118, 184.
Mary, Princess of Scotland, 39, 55.
Mary, Princess of Blois, Abb., 51, 54-
56, S8.
Maryng, or Maryuleyn, Clemence, and
Isab., 223, 234. See Morgan.
Mascal, John, 171, 199.
Mason, John, 140, 268.
Matilda, Queen, 39, 41-44, 46, 49, 55.
Matilda, Abbesses, 53,55, 63,64, 71, 77.
Matthew, of Alsace, 55, 56.
Maud, Queen, 54.
Maud, of Blois, 57.
Maunsell, John, 81.
Maydenstane, Rob. and Nic, Prebs.,
127-9, 135. 136.
Mayhnestone (Mainstone), Manor of,
114, 171, 206, 276.
Mayors, 276, 277.
Medicus, John, 152.
Menstede, John, 170, 171.
Merebrook, 151.
Merwinna (Merwynna), Abb., 14, 15,
18-20, 23, 26, 27.
Michael fil. Herlwin, 57.
Michelmersh, 5, 6, 135, 170.
Middlebridge (Mydill Br.), 6, 7, 171,
275, 276.
Middleton, Gilb. de, 130, 131.
Milchet Wood, 66.
Mills, 6, 7, 68, 200.
Mill Lane, 68.
Minstead, 114.
Mody, Will., 268.
Molens, Will, and John, 183, 275.
Monmouth, John and Cecily de, 75.
Montague, John and Mabel de, 78, 79.
Montreuil, 56.
Moore-Court, 8, 171, 201, 205.
Moore, Ric, 183.
More, Abbot, 266, 274.
More, Christina, nun, ^25.
,, Edburge, nun, 213.
„ John, 201.
Morgan, Isab., 213, 214, 216, 218.
Morton, Abp., 216.
Morys, Wal., 268.
Mottisfont, 4, 5, 30, 31.
Moulysh, Martin, 170.
Mounceaux, Alice, nun, iii.
Mylle, Geo. and Th., 280.
Mynxton Mead, 207.
N.
Naile, Th., 234.
Nele, Wal, 153.
Netheravene, Wal. de, 115.
Nevill, Alan de, 80, 81.
„ Isab. de, 63, 64, 66, 75, 76.
,, Joan de, 74, 76.
„ Will, de, 75.
Newbury, 67.
Newman, Nic, 232.
Newman, John, 241, 242, 268, 269.
Nicholas, Pope, 129.
Nigella, Simon de, 135.
Northbroke, 154.
Northgaston, 203, 204, 265.
Northlode, Alice, 166.
Northuenda, 35.
Northwood, 78.
Notchaach, Will, 152.
Nott, Wal, 170.
Nubbeleye, John de, Preb., 139, 146.
Nuns, V. lists of.
Offerd, or Ufford, And. de, Preb., 133-4.
Oke, see Roke.
Ordgar, Earl, 4, 16.
Osbert, 52, 125.
Oswald, Bp., 13.
Overton, 3.
Overton, Edw. de, 126.
Oxford, Christ Church, 51.
Index.
339
P.
Palmer, Roger, 52.
Paradise, The, 265.
Pashide, Ric, 249.
Paskirie, 207.
Passelewe, Robert, 80.
Paten, Joan, nun, 214, 219, 220, 223.
Patric, Earl of Salisbury, 75.
Patric, Matilda, Abb,, 59, 63, 64, 67.
71. 7S-
Pauncefoot Hill, 7, 115, 206, 207.
Pauncefoot, Sir John, 206.
,, Margaret, 114, 206.
,, Richard, 170, 171.
„ Thomas, 206.
„ Walter, 183, 206.
Pawlett, Lord Chidiok, 276.
Payne, Johanna, 114.
Payne, John, 269.
Peckham, Archbishop, 82, 94.
Pedigrees of: —
Salisbury, 75.
Walerand, 75, 85.
Le Rous, 158 face.
Wadham and Foster, 258 face.
Fleming, 277.
Pembroke, William de, 154.
Penes, Walter de, 3, 10.
Percy, Hillaria de, 77.
Periton, ii6, 207, 265.
Persshete, Alice de, iii, 115.
Peter, Scriptor of S. Alban's, 52.
Peuseys, John, 170, 171.
Placy, John, 214.
Plaitford Manor, 114.
Plukenet, Alan de, 85, 86, 87.
Porter's, or Porte Bridge, 6, 176, 196,
275-
Powes, Emma, 225.
Poyns, Margaret, 168.
Pratt, Will., Mayor, 277.
Preest, John, 154.
Priestlands, 205, 207, 265.
Purye, Roger, 171.
Putton, William de, 154, 170, 171.
Pydman, John, 185.
Q.
Quabbe, or Squob, Wood, 6.
R.
Ralf, Dispensator, 52.
Ramsey, 7.
Randolph, John, 92.
Ranulphus, Chaplain, 57-
Ranulphus, Priest, 72.
Rawlyn, Peronilla, 184.
Ray, John, 241.
Raynold, John, 184.
Receyvour's Lodging, 265.
Redbridge, 8.
Rede, John le, 147.
Redvers, Baldwin de, 79.
Reed, Cicily, 223.
Reginald, Count of Damartin, 57.
Richards, John, 265.
Ridge, Rugge, Rige, 7, 45, 171.
Ringwood, 1 14.
Rivallis, Peter de, 5.
Robert, the Architect, 50.
Robert, Archdeacon of Canterbury,102.
Robert, Presbyter, 125.
Robertus, 52.
Robertus Medicus, 59.
Roches, Isolda de, 97.
Roffa, Solomon de, Preb., 130.
Roger, Archdeacon of Salisbury, 149.
Roger, Bishop, 45.
Roger, Presbyter, 52, 125.
Roke, Manor of, 6, 273.
Romeseye, see Romsey.
Romesey, John de, Rec. of Edington,
65. 72. 73. 79. 80, 125, 126.
Romesey, Julia de, 115.
Romney, 7.
Romsey Abb Lands, 265.
,, Benedictional, 27.
„ Court Rolls, 199.
,, Psalter, 27.
,, Town, 3, 6, 7, 273.
Romsey, Walter de, 71, 77, 80.
Rood, Holy, chapel, 232, 246.
Rous, Richard le, and others, 59, 99,
156-9.
Rovedoune, or Roudon, Johanna de,
78, 84.
Rownhams, 267, 278.
Rowse, Joyce, Abb., 220, 224, 226, 229-
233-
Rowthale, Elizabeth, 222,
Ruffus, Godfrey, 59.
340
Index.
Ruimne, 7.
Rumbridge, 7, 8.
Rumesey, Christiana de, 60.
Rumsey, see Romsey.
Rye, Denise de la, 198.
Rye, Margery de, i6g.
Ryprose, Eliz., Abb., 242, 243, 248,
249.
Ryve, John, Preb., 241.
S.
Salisbury, Bishops of, 72, 73.
„ Diocese, 126.
„ Earls of, Pedigree, 75.
„ S. Mary's, 140.
Salt, John and Eliz., 270, 276.
Sampson, Eliz., 106.
Will., 154-
Sandys, Lord and Lady, 227, 244.
Scarlet, Warden, 148.
Schyrlock, Will., Preb., 84.
Scrop, Henry le, 92.
Scrope, Geoffrey le, 132, 133.
Scures, John de, 98.
Sedgewyke, or Segwyke, Nic, 116;
Elinora, 269.
Selwood Forest, 80.
Semington, 151.
Sevenhampton, Wal. de, 133, 134.
Sexton, John, 192.
Seymour, Sir Th., 251, 252, 254, 266.
Sharpe, Th., 140.
Shelley, Eliz., 250.
Shepstone, Th. de, 128.
Shirborne, Rob., 216, 217.
Shirnham, Juliana, 166.
Shorewell, Rob. de, 74.
Short, Christopher, 251, 269.
Shotter, Th., 182, 202.
Shyffeld, Kath., nun, 198.
Silvercroft, 203.
Simon, Presb., 72.
Skelyng, or Skyllyng, Anne, nun, 226,
241.
Skidmore, 201, 205.
Skyllyng, Agnes, nun, 234.
„ Joan, 211, 213, 219, 223.
Skyllyngham, Will., 200.
Slade, Christine de la, 79.
Smalmeade, 128, 201.
Somborne, 4, 36.
Somersete, Almaricus de, 81.
Somersete, Henry de, 206.
Southampton, 8, 67, 71, 266.
Southwells, 205.
Sparshott, 274.
Spitel Street, 203, 204.
Spurshot, 115.
S. Andrew, chapel of, 117, 129, 252.
S. Anne, chapel of, 117.
S. Barbe, Edw. and Frances, 277, 278.
S. Boniface, 8.
S. Brice, 27.
S. Catherine, image of, 117.
S. Cuthbert, 12.
S. Edburga, 11, 12.
S. George, Fraternity and Chantry of,
117, 182-8.
S. Laurence de Romsey, 131, 132, 140,
182, 183, 185, 192.
S. Laurence de Winton, 140, 180.
S. Martin, Will, de, 74, 76.
S. Mary's, Winton, the Nunnaminster,
II, 13, 14, 227, 250.
S. Michael's, Southton, 266.
S. Nicholas, chapel of, 117, 218.
S. Peter, chapel of, 252, 264.
S. Swithun's, Winton, Si I3> 29, 30,
163, 217.
Stadham, Kath., nun, 198, 213.
Stafferton, Master, 249.
Stanbridge, 51, 170, 171, 207, 234.
Stanlegh, Agnes de, nun, no, in.
Stapylforde, John, 192.
Staryeffrythe, 205, 278.
Steeple Ashton, 52, S3, 57. 68, 73, 74,
80, 151-4.
Stephen, fitz, Arad, 45.
Stokes, Phillipa de. Abb., 84, 91, 94,
96.
Stratford-at-Bow, 54.
Stratford, Rob. de, 109, 134.
Stratford, Joan, 166.
Stretford, Jouette de, 98.
Sulhere, Amicia de, Abb., 64, 78.
Sweyen, Swanus, 26.
Sydmanton, 18, 72, 79, 80, 126, 129,
138, 170, 193.
Index.
341
T.
Tadburne Lake, 204.
Talemache, Lord John, 171.
Talke, Anne, nun, 243, 244.
Tappesham, 207, 265.
Tawke, Ellen, nun, 221, 225.
Taylor, Rog., 268.
Taxpayers, 272, 273.
Teorstan, 6.
Terbock, 216, 218, 219.
Terstwood, Manor of, 77, 114, 171,
200.
Test, River, 3, 4, 7, 8.
Testwode, Ric. de, 58, 79.
Theobald, Archbishop, 54.
Theodoric, C. of Flanders, SS-
Thomson, Th., 249.
Thorold, Thomas, 171.
Thuddene, Alice de, nun, 114.
Timsbury, Church of, S, 72, 126, 140.
„ Prebend of, 241, 268.
Tomys, Will., 269.
Toot, or Tote, Hill, 205, 268.
Tornour, William, 183.
Totton, 8, 171, 200.
Trappe, Richard, 200.
Trotton, Manor of, 164.
Turkington, Mabel, 277, 279.
Tylshyde, 74.
Tynhide, or Tinhead, 151, 154.
Tystede, Maud, nun, 224, 234.
Ufford, de, see Offerd.
Umfray, John, 180, 191.
Umfray, Joan, 166, 167.
UphuUe, John, 128.
Verdun, Margery de, 84.
Vrigge, Master de, 137.
w.
Wade Manor, 8, 275.
Wadham, Jane, 251, 253, 255.
Kath., 251, 253.
,, Nich., 251.
,, Pedigree, 258.
Walcock, Christina, 152.
Walding and Waldenbridge, 187, 205,
276.
Waler, Mat., 67.
Walerand, Alicia, Abb., 64, 77, 78, 80,
84-6, IS7-
Walerand, Alice, see Bere.
Cecily, 86.
„ Matilda, Abb., v. Patric.
„ Isabella, 85.
Pedigrees, 75 85.
Rob., 80, 85.
Walter, S9, 67, 7S, 151-
Will., 84-6.
Wallop, Ric. de, 157.
Walshe, Anne, 277, 279.
Warham, Kath., 98, 114.
Warham, Rob. de, 98, 114.
Waude, la, 79.
Wawayn, John, 133.
Wellis, Eliz., 275.
Wells, Manor of, 8, 166.
West, Alice, 164.
,, Thomas and Reg., 200.
Westbroke, Anne, Abb., 232, 241.
„ Peter, 265, 271.
Westbury, Wilts, 53, 154.
Wethers, Nic, 116, 269.
Wharwellesdown, 53, 150.
Wherwell, 4, 16, 29, 31, 163, 227, 233.
Whitenap, or Whyttenharp, 204.
Whithitham, 206.
Whityng, Rob., 183.
Whwytechirche, Preb. John de, 73.
Whytingstale, Alice, nun, 226.
Wiggelee, Agneta, 200.
William, Sermonicator, 52.
„ Armiger, 52.
,, Count of Boulogne, 55.
Willoughby, Ric, 207.
Wilton, II, 164.
Wiltshire, Gil. de, 224.
Wimborne Minster, 127.
Winchester, 59, 67.
Winchester, Bishops of : —
Asser, Bp., Register of, 127.
Beaufort, Henry, 93, 105, 129, 166,
191, 19S, 196.
Courtney, 216.
Edyndon, William de, 77, 117, 119,
131. 133, 13s, 138, 145. 158, 165.
Fox, Ric, 222, 227, 228, 244-7.
342
Index.
Winchester, Bishops of : —
Gardiner, Steph., 248.
Orlton Adam, 96, 116, 117, 122, 158.
Pontoise, John de, 82, 93, 94, 99, 131.
Stratford, John de, 97, 98, 109. 131.
Thorold, Anthony, 269.
Woodlock, Henry, 92, 94, 95, 97, 102.
Waynflete, Will, of, 211-16.
Wykeham, William of, 128, 135, 139,
149, i6s, 169, 172, 180, 191.
Winchester Cathedral, v. S. Swithun's.
,, Coll., lands of, 275.
„ Dean of, 268, 269.
,, Road, Romsey, 176.
Windsor, Dean of, 267.
Winterslow, Manor of, 115.
Wlf hilda, 4.
Wlpardus, Armiger, 52.
Wobbury, 20I, 202, 205.
Wodefeld, John, 170.
Wollys Downe, 202.
Wolsey, Canon Th,, 247.
Wolsey, Cardinal, 244, 245, 247.
Wolvesey, loi.
Wordy, Th. de, in.
Wulfynn, Abb., 28.
Wykeham, Nic. de, 140.
Wylderne, Rob. and Maud de la, 79.
Wynslade, Ric, 268.
Wyntereshulle, AHcia de, Abb., and
others, 91-3.
Wyville, Rob., Bp. Sarum, 149.
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